hospitality

noun

hos·​pi·​tal·​i·​ty ˌhä-spə-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce hospitality (audio)
plural hospitalities
1
: hospitable treatment, reception, or disposition
thanked our hosts for their hospitality
2
: the activity or business of providing services to guests in hotels, restaurants, bars, etc.
usually used before another noun
a hospitality suite
Valet parking may be the most commonplace, least understood corner of the hospitality industry.Bruce Feiler
… has turned the hospitality business upside down with his far-out hotel designs …Robert Herzbrun

Examples of hospitality in a Sentence

It was refreshing to be met with such hospitality after our long journey.
Recent Examples on the Web Outside of their commitment to providing the level of hospitality synonymous with the South, no two properties are alike. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2024 Global hospitality group, Noble 33, is partnering with the athletes to bring 1587 Prime to life. Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 Many in the industry wonder if cancellation fees are at odds with the whole idea of hospitality; customers are called guests for a reason. T.m. Brown, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024 Delta is taking its on-the-ground hospitality to new heights. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2024 Like any trend, the initial boom of hotel restaurants sparked a concern for this restaurant critic: What does Detroit’s dining scene become if overcrowded with major projects powered by hospitality groups with out-of-state headquarters? Detroit Free Press, 6 Mar. 2024 That means all $275 million in city funding would come from hospitality dollars, a change from the 2022 plan that estimated $60 million coming from a naming rights deal or deals. Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2024 Kansas City Royals pitching coach Brian Sweeney got a taste of southern hospitality this offseason. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2024 In the hospitality sector, hotels are increasingly adopting renewable energy to make a difference. Anna C Mallon, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hospitality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hospitalite "reception of guests, provision of lodging," borrowed from Anglo-French hospitalité, borrowed from Latin hospitālitāt-, hospitālitās "entertainment of guests," from Latin hospitālis "of a guest, of hospitality, hospitable" (from hospit-, hospes "guest, host" + -ālis -al entry 1) + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at host entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hospitality was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near hospitality

Cite this Entry

“Hospitality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hospitality. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hospitality

noun
hos·​pi·​tal·​i·​ty ˌhäs-pə-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce hospitality (audio)
plural hospitalities
: generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests
Etymology

Middle English hospitalite "hospitality," from early French hospitalité (same meaning), derived from Latin hospitale "of a guest, showing hospitality," from hospit-, hospes "host, stranger, guest" — related to hospital, host entry 2, hotel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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