hospitable

adjective

hos·​pi·​ta·​ble hä-ˈspi-tə-bəl  ˈhä-(ˌ)spi- 

1

a

: given to generous and cordial reception of guests

a kind, hospitable people

They are hospitable … : give a guest everything, and leave him free to do as he likes.

—Bram Stoker

b

: promising or suggesting generous and friendly welcome

hospitable faces

c

: offering a pleasant or sustaining environment

grows in even the least hospitable climates

2

: readily receptive : open

hospitable to new ideas

hospitably

hä-ˈspi-tə-blē 

ˈhä-(ˌ)spi-

adverb

Synonyms

• affable
• cordial
• genial
• gracious
• sociable

Examples of hospitable in a Sentence

The people of that country are very hospitable.

It's a hearty plant that grows in even the least hospitable climates.

elderly people moving to Florida for its hospitable climate

Recent Examples on the Web

With just three tables indoors and two outdoors, there is no place more cozy or hospitable to indulge in manti, Turkey’s beloved dumplings. —Lela London, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

California’s tax incentive program is cited as the main culprit for driving creators outside of the city to more hospitable locations like Georgia and New York, as well as Australia and European locations like London. —Kristen Lopez, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024

However, the current free-agent landscape isn't hospitable to players looking for a big payday. —Bryan Toporek, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Not just because of the people — those famously funny, hospitable denizens. —Matt Goulding, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin hospitābilis, from hospitāre "to lodge, reside, give lodging to, house" (going back to Latin hospitārī "to put up as a guest, give lodging to," derivative of hospit-, hospes "guest, host") + Latin -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy (of being acted upon)" — more at host entry 1, -able

First Known Use

circa 1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

hospitable

adjective

hos·​pi·​ta·​ble hä-ˈspit-ə-bəl  ˈhäs-(ˌ)pit- 

1

: generous and friendly in entertaining guests

2

a

: pleasant sense 2, inviting

a hospitable inn

b

: offering a pleasant or healthful environment

a hospitable climate

3

: open entry 1 sense 7

hospitable to new ideas

hospitably

-blē 

adverb