hostess

Meaning

Noun

1. A female host.
2. A female innkeeper.
3. Stewardess: a woman steward on an airplane.
4. A bar hostess or bargirl; a paid female companion offering conversation and in some cases sex.
5. (Philippines) A female prostitute.

Verb

To host, as a woman.

Synonyms

host

landlady

stewardess

proprietress

receptionist

mistress

waitress

proprietor

air hostess

boss

entertainer

innkeeper

landlord

master

owner

mistress of the house

master of ceremonies

steward

lady

flight attendant

warden

welcomer

MC

lady of house

matron

Translations

hôtesse

Hostess

Gastgeberin

ospite

Wirtin

copa

waardin

gastvrouw

anfitriã

padrona di casa

anfitrioa

azafata

aubergiste

hostes

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈhoʊstɪs/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: hostesse

In summary

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