host

1.verbtransitiveB1

Definition

to provide a place, food, drinks, and other things needed for a social event or celebration that you organize

Example

Minh hosted a Lunar New Year dinner for forty relatives at her house.

host + [event] for [number] + [people] at [place]

The city decided to host the international music festival in the central park.

host + the [event] in [place]

Common collocations

host a party
host a conference
host a dinner
host a wedding reception
host an event

Synonyms

hold
more general; 'hold' just means organize, while 'host' emphasises providing space and hospitality
throw
informal; 'throw a party' suggests a casual, often at-home event
give
slightly formal; 'give a dinner party' focuses on the act of offering hospitality

Antonyms

attend
to go as a guest rather than the person organising and providing

Grammar Patterns

host + [event] for [people]

host + [event] at [place]

Usage Note

Frequently used with events such as parties, conferences, weddings, and dinners. The subject is typically a person, a family, an organization, or a venue that provides the space and resources.

Common Mistakes

The school hosted a talk by a famous author.' (when the school only provided the audience)

The school arranged a talk by a famous author.

'host' implies the school provided the venue and ran the event, not just invited attendees.

2.verbtransitiveB1

Definition

to act as the main presenter for a broadcast show, introducing guests and guiding the audience through each segment

Example

Since 2018, Diego has hosted a weekly sports show on a national radio network.

hosted + [frequency] + [type of show] on [network]

The network is looking for someone young and energetic to host its new music programme.

Common collocations

host a show
host a programme
host a talk show
host a quiz show
host the news

Synonyms

present
more common in British English; 'present a programme' has the same meaning
emcee
informal; usually of live events, less common for TV/radio programmes
anchor
typically of a news programme; suggests a stable, long-term role

Antonyms

guest
to appear on a show without being the main presenter

Grammar Patterns

host + [type of programme]

host + [programme] on [channel/network]

Usage Note

The subject is always a person filling a presenter role (e.g. a journalist, a comedian, a known personality). Not used for one-time guest appearances.

Common Mistakes

The celebrity hosted the show as a guest panellist.

The celebrity appeared on the show as a guest panellist.

'host' means leading the show, not just taking part as a guest.

3.verbtransitiveB2

Definition

to create and run a virtual meeting or video call where participants join using their computers or phones

Example

Kabir hosted a video call with colleagues in four different countries.

host + a video call with [number] + [group]

The project manager hosted an online meeting to discuss the new deadlines.

Common collocations

host a Zoom call
host a video conference
host a virtual meeting
host a webinar
host an online workshop

Synonyms

run
less formal; 'run a meeting' focuses on managing it, not necessarily on the technical setup
chair
formal; used for official meetings, emphasises leading the discussion rather than the technical aspect

Antonyms

join
to participate as an attendee rather than the person managing the meeting

Grammar Patterns

host + a [meeting type] with [people]

host + [platform] call

Usage Note

Often used with specific platform names: 'host a Zoom call', 'host a Teams meeting'. Common in workplace and educational settings. The person hosting typically controls screen-sharing, muting, and participant access.

4.verbtransitiveB2

Definition

to supply the computer services, storage space, and technical support that keep a website running and accessible online

Example

A small company in Taipei hosts the website for that local newspaper.

Min hosts three online stores on the same server.

hosts + [number] + [websites/stores] on [server]

Common collocations

host a website
host a server
host an online store
host an application
host on a cloud platform

Synonyms

serve
technical; focuses on the server delivering the content rather than the administrative arrangement

Grammar Patterns

host + [website] on [server]

be hosted by [company]

Usage Note

Very common in the passive voice, especially in technical descriptions: 'the site is hosted by Amazon Web Services'. The subject can be a company, a computer system, or an individual managing their own server.

Common Mistakes

I host my blog by WordPress.

I host my blog on WordPress.

The platform/software is introduced by 'on', not 'by'. 'By' introduces the hosting company.

1.nounA2

Definition

a person who welcomes friends, family, or other visitors into their home or at a social event, providing food, drink, company, and making sure their guests feel comfortable

Example

Ayana offered drinks and snacks to every one of her dinner party guests.

countable: someone's host

As a good host, Christopher made sure everyone at the barbecue had enough food.

Common collocations

good host
gracious host
the host of
act as host

Synonyms

hostess
specifically a female host; less common in modern use
party giver
informal and less common; focuses on the act of throwing a party

Antonyms

guest
the person who is invited, not the one doing the inviting

Grammar Patterns

someone's host

the host of + event

Usage Note

Often used with a possessive: 'my host', 'our host', 'the host's responsibility'.

Common Mistakes

The host for the party didn't prepare enough chairs.

The host of the party didn't prepare enough chairs.

the standard preposition after 'host' (person sense) is 'of', not 'for'.

2.nounA2

Definition

a person whose job is to introduce each guest and performer, guide the conversation, and keep the show moving on a television program, radio broadcast, or podcast

Example

The radio host asked the singer about her new album and upcoming tour dates.

radio host + noun phrase

Tamar is the host of a popular morning show that interviews famous actors.

the host of [show]

Common collocations

TV host
radio host
podcast host
show host
guest host

Synonyms

presenter
more common in British English
anchor
used for news programs specifically
emcee
used for live events and ceremonies

Grammar Patterns

TV / radio / podcast host

host of [show name]

Common Mistakes

She is the host of the news.

She is the news anchor.

'host' is used for talk shows and entertainment programs, not for reading the news.

3.nounB1

Definition

a person who starts and manages a group video call or online meeting, controlling the agenda, who speaks, and what content is shared on screen

Example

The video call host shared her screen to show the team the new design.

compound noun: video call host

Ari muted all participants before the host began the online training session.

Common collocations

meeting host
call host
webinar host
host of the call

Synonyms

organizer
focuses on planning the meeting rather than running the technology

Antonyms

participant
someone who joins the meeting but does not control it

Grammar Patterns

meeting host

host of the call

Usage Note

The host controls technical features like muting, screen sharing, and breakout rooms — distinct from a participant who just joins.

Common Mistakes

Can you make me the host so I can share my slides?

Can you make me the presenter so I can share my slides?

'host' is the person who set up the meeting; 'presenter' is someone given permission to share content within it.

4.nounB1

Definition

a city, country, organization, or building that agrees to hold a large public event such as a conference, sports competition, or festival, supplying the space, equipment, and services needed

Example

The city of Paris was the host of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

the host of [event]

That convention center often serves as the host for trade shows and industry meetings.

serve as the host for

Common collocations

host city
host country
host nation
host organization
serve as host

Synonyms

venue
focuses on the physical location rather than the organizing body
organizer
focuses on the planning and coordination rather than the space

Grammar Patterns

be the host for [event]

host of [event]

serve as host

Usage Note

Unlike sense 1 (a person), this sense is used for entities — cities, countries, institutions, or buildings that provide the setting for an event.

5.nounB2

Definition

a living creature, such as a plant, animal, or human body, that provides food and shelter for a smaller organism called a parasite that lives on or inside it

Example

The dog was the host for ticks that fed on its blood during summer walks.

host for [parasite]

A healthy host plant can survive with a few small insects living on its leaves.

Common collocations

host cell
host organism
host plant
human host
animal host
intermediate host

Synonyms

carrier
a person or animal that has a disease but may not show symptoms; not the same as a host for a parasite

Antonyms

parasite
the organism that lives on or inside the host

Grammar Patterns

host for/to [parasite]

host organism

Usage Note

In biology, the host is often harmed by the parasite, though some host-parasite relationships involve little or no damage to the host.

6.nounB1

Definition

a very large collection of individuals or items coming together in one place, appearing at once, or existing as a group

Example

A host of reporters gathered outside the courthouse waiting for the verdict.

a host of + plural noun

The town faced a host of problems after the flood damaged roads and homes.

Common collocations

a host of
host of problems
host of people
host of options

Synonyms

multitude
more formal and slightly old-fashioned
crowd
used for groups of people only; does not extend to things
array
suggests variety within the group, not just quantity

Antonyms

handful
a very small number

Grammar Patterns

a host of + plural noun

Usage Note

Almost always used in the fixed phrase 'a host of' followed by a plural noun. The verb that follows can be singular or plural depending on region — British English often uses plural ('a host of problems have'), while American English sometimes uses singular ('a host of problems has').

Common Mistakes

A host of bird was flying overhead.

A host of birds were flying overhead.

'a host of' must be followed by a plural noun.

7.nounC1

Definition

a large army organised for combat, or a disciplined group that resembles an army in its strength and unified purpose.

Example

The emperor's host marched for three days across the dry plain.

archaic: a large army

The Roman host marched north toward the border fortress under a grey sky.

archaic: a large organised army

Common collocations

a host of soldiers
a host of volunteers
a host of supporters
the heavenly host

Synonyms

army
strictly military; 'host' can extend metaphorically to non-military groups
legion
also military in origin, but 'legion' is more historically specific to ancient Rome
multitude
emphasises the large number rather than the organised, purposeful quality of a 'host'

Grammar Patterns

host + of + [group noun]

Usage Note

Often used in formal or literary contexts. When referring to a non-military group, the focus is on the group acting with a shared purpose rather than a mere large number.

8.nounB2

Definition

in Christian worship, the consecrated bread that believers receive during the Communion service, understood to hold sacred meaning.

Example

The priest lifted the host above the altar and said a prayer.

Christian ceremony: the consecrated bread

Joon knelt at the rail and received the host for the first time.

collocation: receive the host

Common collocations

receive the host
bless the host
consecrate the host
the host is elevated

Synonyms

communion wafer
more specific to the thin, round form of the bread used in many Western Christian traditions
sacrament
broader term covering the whole rite, not just the bread
Eucharist
refers to the entire sacrament; 'host' refers specifically to the consecrated bread itself

Grammar Patterns

the Host

receive the host

bless the host

Usage Note

Often capitalised as 'the Host' in formal or liturgical writing. In many Christian traditions, the host is considered sacred and is handled only by clergy or authorised ministers.

Common Mistakes

The host at the party passed out bread.

The host was blessed by the priest during Communion.

In a religious context, 'host' refers to the consecrated bread, not the person welcoming guests.

9.nounB1

Definition

a company that supplies the computer systems and services needed for a website to be accessible on the internet.

Example

The website kept crashing, so the owner switched to a different host.

computing: a website-hosting company

Otis checked whether his host supported the latest version of the software.

collocation: host + supports

Common collocations

web host
hosting company
switch hosts
reliable host
host provider

Synonyms

web hosting provider
a more formal, full term for the same concept
server
can refer to the physical machine rather than the service company
hosting service
emphasises the service rather than the company as a business entity

Grammar Patterns

host + [verb phrase: offers/provides/supports]

Usage Note

In everyday usage, 'host' in this sense is often shortened to 'web host' or 'hosting company'. The technical term 'host' can also refer to the physical server computer rather than the company.

Common Mistakes

I need a host for my birthday party.

I need a web host for my new online store.

When referring to internet services, 'host' means a hosting company, not a person entertaining guests.

Idioms

be/play host to something

idiom

To be the place where something exists or happens.

The old forest is host to many rare bird species.

Did you know that this lake plays host to a rare type of fish?

Word family

hostess
nounB1
hosting
nounB1
hosted
adjectiveB1
host (the consecrated bread)
nounB2
hospitality
nounB2
hostile
adjectiveB2
hostility
nounC1
host (the army/multitude)
nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

The word 'host' stretches across several distinct meaning domains, each with its own synonym set. In the social sense (noun/1), 'host' is unmarked for gender, whereas 'hostess' specifically refers to a female host — though 'hostess' is becoming less common in modern usage and may carry dated or formal overtones. The religious term 'host' (the consecrated bread, noun/8) is a separate word etymologically (from Latin 'hostia' meaning sacrifice), not a variant of the social host; the two are homographs with no semantic overlap. In the event-organising sense (noun/4), 'host' (the entity providing venue and resources) differs from 'organizer,' who plans and coordinates the logistics, and from 'venue,' which is strictly the physical location. A convention centre can be the host of a trade show, but the trade association is the organizer, and the building itself is the venue. In broadcasting (noun/2 and verb/2), the synonym choice varies by format and region: 'presenter' is the preferred term in British English for a TV or radio show host. 'Anchor' is reserved for news programmes and implies a stable, authoritative long-term role — you anchor a news broadcast but host a talk show. 'Emcee' (from MC, master of ceremonies) is informal and used for live events like awards nights or weddings, not for recorded television series. In biology (noun/5), a 'host' is the organism that a parasite lives on or inside, while 'carrier' is someone who harbours a pathogen without necessarily showing symptoms — a crucial distinction: a host feeds and shelters the parasite, while a carrier merely transports a disease-causing agent. In the multitude sense (noun/6, 7), 'host' suggests an organised or purposeful grouping (a host of volunteers), whereas 'multitude' simply emphasises number, and 'army' is literal military or metaphorical with martial connotations.

hostess ↗organizer ↗venue ↗presenteranchor ↗emceecarrier ↗army ↗multitude ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

host country
host city
host family
host nation
host plant
host organism
host cell

Adverbs

graciously host
jointly host
willingly host

Phrases

play host to
act as host
serve as host
a host of

Prepositions

host of
host for
host to

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

The modern English word 'host' comes from two historically related branches of the same Latin root. The social sense (someone who welcomes guests) traces back to Latin 'hospes' (guest, host, stranger) — which also gave English 'hospitality,' 'hospital,' and 'hotel.' Meanwhile, a different branch of 'hospes' evolved into Latin 'hostis' (stranger, enemy), producing the sense of an armed multitude ('a host of soldiers') and the adjective 'hostile.' This means the same English word can, depending on context, describe a welcoming party-giver at a dinner table or a marching army on a battlefield — two meanings that parted ways over centuries of use.

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host

host — verb

1. to provide a place, food, drinks, and other things needed for a social event or

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

2. to act as the main presenter for a broadcast show, introducing guests and guidin

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

3. to create and run a virtual meeting or video call where participants join using

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

4. to supply the computer services, storage space, and technical support that keep

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

host — noun

1. a person who welcomes friends, family, or other visitors into their home or at a

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

2. a person whose job is to introduce each guest and performer, guide the conversat

Grammar Patterns

Common Mistakes

3. a person who starts and manages a group video call or online meeting, controllin

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

4. a city, country, organization, or building that agrees to hold a large public ev

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

5. a living creature, such as a plant, animal, or human body, that provides food an

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

6. a very large collection of individuals or items coming together in one place, ap

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

7. a large army organised for combat, or a disciplined group that resembles an army

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

8. in Christian worship, the consecrated bread that believers receive during the Co

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

9. a company that supplies the computer systems and services needed for a website t

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

be/play host to something

Word family

Synonym discussion

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

Prepositions

Etymology

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