hostess

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A female host.

   The host and hostess greeted their guests at the door.

2. 2
   verb

   To host, as a woman.

   Later in January, the alum club hostessed the initiation brunch at the Pi Beta Phi chapter house. It was thrilling to see so many girls with such enthusiasm!

3. 3
   noun

   a woman innkeeper

4. 4
   noun

   a woman host

5. 5
   noun

   a woman steward on an airplane

6. 6
   noun

   A female innkeeper.

7. 7
   noun

   Stewardess: a woman steward on an airplane.

8. 8
   noun

   A bar hostess or bargirl; a paid female companion offering conversation and in some cases sex.

Etymology

From Middle English hostesse, from Middle French hostesse, from Old French ostesce, made up of oste (“host”) + -esce (“feminine marker”).