Historically a host is a large number of people, or an army. In Christian religion it may be the consecrated bread used to represent the body of Jesus, or the heavenly host may refer to angels or perhaps other bible figures – although the heavenly host can also be used to mean the sun, moon and stars.

A host might be a person who has received a donated organ, or any living organism which carries a parasite or disease. The landlord of a pub, compere of an event, or person who invites others into their home could all be described as hosts.

If I’m ever your host, I’ll probably bake you a cake.