Host Meaning
Host Definition & Usage
A person who organizes and is responsible for hosting an event, such as a party, meeting, or gathering, by receiving and entertaining guests.
Examples
- "She was the perfect host, ensuring that everyone had a drink and was comfortable at the party."
- "The host of the conference gave a warm welcome to all the attendees."
- "As a gracious host, he made sure to introduce all the guests to one another."
- "I had to leave early, but I thanked the host for such an enjoyable evening."
- "He volunteered to be the host for the charity gala, making sure everything ran smoothly."
A computer or system that provides data, services, or resources to other devices or systems, typically through a network.
Examples
- "The web server acts as the host for the website, serving content to users' browsers."
- "A host machine can run multiple virtual machines, each functioning as a separate entity."
- "The email host ensures that all incoming and outgoing messages are processed correctly."
- "Our company's internal network relies on a single host to manage file storage."
- "When you access a website, your browser sends a request to the host server, which delivers the requested page."
To organize, manage, or serve as the presenter for an event or activity, such as a party, show, or gathering.
Examples
- "She hosted a game night for her friends and family last weekend."
- "The comedian will host the awards ceremony later this evening."
- "He hosted the meeting, guiding the team through the agenda smoothly."
- "Would you be willing to host our next dinner party at your place?"
- "The network decided to host a live broadcast of the concert to engage viewers."
Cultural Context
The word 'host' originates from the Latin word 'hospes,' meaning both 'guest' and 'host,' showing the reciprocal nature of hospitality in ancient cultures. Throughout history, the concept of hosting has been central to both social gatherings and formal events, ranging from banquets to modern-day conferences and television shows. In modern technology, the meaning of 'host' has evolved to encompass computers and network systems that provide services to other devices, further expanding the breadth of its usage.
The Unlikely Host
Story
The Unlikely Host
It was a quiet evening when Lila was asked to host her first dinner party. She wasn't exactly sure what it entailed—she had never hosted before. The word 'host' had always seemed so grand, reserved for those with large homes or glamorous event planners. But now, in her small apartment, she was about to welcome three friends, and she wasn't sure if she could pull it off. The first to arrive was Greg, who had always been a gracious guest. 'Thanks for hosting, Lila,' he said, entering with a bottle of wine. 'This is going to be fun!' Lila smiled nervously, offering him a seat and pouring the wine. She wasn’t accustomed to being the one in charge of the evening, but Greg’s compliment gave her a boost. As the night progressed, she found herself enjoying her new role. She made sure everyone had enough to eat, introduced new topics for conversation, and ensured the music played at the right volume. 'You're a great host,' Emma said as she refilled her plate. Lila beamed. Hosting wasn’t as hard as it seemed. Meanwhile, in the corner, Greg was discussing the latest tech trends. 'You know, the host server of that new online game is incredible,' he said. 'It handles thousands of players without any lag.' Lila smiled, enjoying the double meaning of the word. She had gone from being a social host to a 'server' of hospitality in the span of an evening, and now the word had a new dimension in the tech world too. By the end of the night, Lila felt accomplished. She had managed to entertain her friends and even handled some unexpected events, like the spilled wine and the burned roast. 'Next time, we should all host together,' Greg suggested. Lila nodded, happy to share the experience. Hosting wasn't just about serving food—it was about making people feel at home, whether in a cozy apartment or a virtual game. Lila realized that the role of a host, whether in a social or technical context, was a position of both responsibility and reward, a place where people could feel welcome and cared for.
