a woman who receives and entertains guests in her own home or elsewhere.
a woman employed in a restaurant or place of amusement to receive, seat, or assist patrons.
a woman who acts as master of ceremonies, moderator, or interviewer for a television or radio program; host.
a woman employed by an airline, railroad, bus company, etc., to see that passengers are comfortable throughout a trip, usually receiving and seating them, and sometimes serving them refreshments.
a woman who manages a resort or hotel or who directs its social activities.
taxi dancer.
verb (used with object)
to be the hostess at (a reception, dinner, etc.): She will hostess a shower for the new bride.
to act as hostess at, to, or for: She volunteered to hostess the garden club next season.
verb (used without object)
to perform the duties or functions of a hostess.
Origin of hostess
1250–1300; Middle English (h)ostesse<Old French. See host1, -ess