French word

hôtesse

Pronunciation

IPA/otɛs/

Meaning

  • feminine nounreceptionist

Example

L'hôtesse à l'accueil nous a donné les badges.

The receptionist at the front desk gave us the badges.

Illustration for hôtesse (receptionist)

More examples

L'hôtesse d'accueil nous a accueillis à l'entrée.

The receptionist welcomed us at the entrance.

Core concept

A woman at a welcome desk receives visitors, checks their arrival, and directs them to the right place.

Common phrases

  • hôtesse d'accueil

    receptionist

Similar words

réceptionniste: A front-desk worker who assists visitors and handles check-in procedures.
agent d'accueil: An entrance attendant who directs visitors and oversees admission to a venue or facility.

Definition in French

Personne, en général de sexe féminin, chargée d'accueillir et d'orienter les visiteurs à la réception d'un lieu ou à un point d'accueil.

Word origin

Hôtesse is formed from hôte with the feminine suffix -esse; hôte ultimately comes from Latin hospes through Old French.

Usage tips

  • In professional contexts, personnel d'accueil is a gender-neutral alternative when the person's sex is irrelevant.

Other meanings

  • ushernoun
  • hostessnoun
  • flight attendantnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word