host crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! Struggling with the crossword clue "host"? You've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to crack your puzzle.
Solutions for "host crossword" by Letter Count
2 Letters
MC: Short for Master of Ceremonies, a person who introduces guests and speaks at public events.
5 Letters
EMCEE: The full spelling of MC, someone who conducts proceedings at a public event, literally "hosting" it.
6 Letters
SERVER: Can refer to a computer hosting data or a person serving food/drink, both acting as a "host" in their respective capacities.
WAITER: A person whose job is to serve customers at tables in a restaurant, acting as a host for their dining experience.
9 Letters
MULTITUDE: Refers to a very large number of people or things, as in "a host of angels" or "a host of problems," stemming from "host" meaning an army or large group.
11 Letters
ENTERTAINER: A person whose job is to entertain people, often by performing, thus "hosting" an audience's attention.
More About "host crossword"
The word "host" is a fascinating clue in crosswords because of its rich semantic versatility. It can lead to a wide array of answers, ranging from common professions to abstract nouns. This polysemy is a favorite trick of crossword setters, testing a solver's ability to consider multiple interpretations of a single word.
When you encounter "host" in a crossword, it's crucial to think beyond the most immediate definition. Is it referring to someone entertaining guests? A biological entity? A large gathering? Or perhaps even a religious item? The surrounding clues and the number of letters available are your best guides to deciphering the setter's intended meaning.
Understanding these different facets of "host" not only helps you solve the current puzzle but also sharpens your general crossword-solving skills, preparing you for other tricky clues that rely on wordplay and multiple meanings.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: If you have an empty slot for "host," the length of the word (e.g., 2 for MC, 6 for SERVER) is often the strongest hint.
- Check Intersecting Clues: Letters from perpendicular words will quickly eliminate many possibilities, leaving you with the correct "host" answer.
- Look for Contextual Nouns/Verbs: Sometimes the clue isn't just "host" but "Host a party" or "Computer host." These additional words are invaluable hints.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword setters love to use less common or older meanings of words. If the standard answers aren't fitting, consider synonyms for "multitude" or religious terms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can the crossword clue 'host' have so many different answers?
The word 'host' is polysemous, meaning it has multiple distinct meanings. In crosswords, setters leverage this. 'Host' can refer to a person (like an MC or server), a large number (a multitude), or even a biological organism that harbors a parasite. The context of surrounding clues and existing letters will help you narrow down the correct meaning and answer.
What's the best strategy for solving 'host' clues in crosswords?
The key is to consider the context. Look at the number of letters required for the answer, and any intersecting letters you've already filled in. If the clue has a qualifier (e.g., 'TV host' or 'large host'), that's a direct hint. Without a qualifier, cycle through common meanings: entertainer, server, multitude, or even the religious 'host' (wafer), until one fits the grid.
Does 'host' ever refer to a religious context in crosswords?
Yes, it can! In a religious context, 'host' refers to the consecrated bread or wafer used in the Christian sacrament of the Eucharist. If your crossword clue strongly suggests a religious theme or you're stuck, 'WAFER' (5 letters) or sometimes even just 'HOST' itself could be a valid answer for this specific meaning, depending on the setter's intent.