Guest

/ɡɛst/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person who is invited to visit the home or attend a social event of another.
We had a guest over for dinner last night.
A person who receives hospitality, especially in a hotel or restaurant.
The hotel was fully booked with guests from around the world.
A person who participates in a program or activity but is not a regular member.
She was a guest speaker at the conference on climate change.
An individual invited to appear in a media production, such as a talk show or podcast.
The talk show featured a guest from a popular television series.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old Norse 'gest', related to Latin 'hospes'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

guest of honor:
A person who is the main guest at a ceremony or celebration.
to be treated like a guest:
To be given special attention or privileges.
a house guest:
A person who stays at someone's home temporarily.
guest appearance:
An appearance by a person at an event who is not a regular participant.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Crash
I'm going to crash at your place for the night since I'm a guest.
Freeloader
He always comes over and eats our food; he's such a freeloader as a guest.