host, hostess

Although some commentators object to the use of host as an English verb, it has in fact been used that way for centuries and is standard.

The verb host may be used to mean “offer or preside at a social event” or  “act as the host for a radio or television broadcast.”

• Audrey hosts children’s birthday parties as a small business venture.
• Michael Enright hosted This Morning after Peter Gzowski’s retirement.

Host is also a gender-neutral noun which may refer to a male or female person; the gender-specific hostess is not recommended in this context.

• Before becoming governor general, Ms. Clarkson was best known to Canadians as the host of Take Thirty and Adrienne Clarkson Presents.

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