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    host

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    host
    I
    host1 W3 /həʊst $ hoʊst/ noun [countable]
     Sense 1-3, 6
     Date: 1200-1300
     Language: Old French
     Origin: hoste 'host, guest', from Latin hospes, probably from hostis; ⇨ hostile
     Sense 4
     Date: 1300-1400
     Language: Old French
     Origin: Latin hostis; ⇨ hostile
     Sense 5
     Date: 1300-1400
     Language: Old French
     Origin: hoiste, from Latin hostia 'sacrifice'
    1.  AT A PARTY someone at a party, meal etc who has invited the guests and who provides the food, drink etc ⇨ hostess:
        Our host greeted us at the door.
    2.  ON TELEVISION/RADIO someone who introduces and talks to the guests on a television or radio programme
       SYN  compere British English:
        a game show host
    3.  COUNTRY/CITY a country, city, or organization that provides the necessary space, equipment etc for a special event
        host country/government/city etc
        the host city for the next Olympic Games
        play host (to something) (=provide the place, food etc for a special meeting or event)
        The gallery is playing host to an exhibition of sculpture.
    4. a (whole) host of people/things a large number of people or things:
        A host of show business celebrities have pledged their support.
    5.  IN CHURCH the Host technical the bread that is used in the Christian ceremony of Communion
    6.  ANIMAL/PLANT technical an animal or plant on which a smaller animal or plant is living as a parasite

    II
    host2 verb [transitive]
    1. to provide the place and everything that is needed for an organized event:
        Which country is going to host the next World Cup?
    2. to introduce a radio or television programme:
        Next week’s show will be hosted by Sarah Cox.