at-home

A family hosts an at-home for their neighbors in the living room.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A social reception held in one's own home: "at-home" refers to a formal or informal gathering where a host receives guests at their residence, often on a specific day or at a set time.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She hosted an at-home every Tuesday afternoon for her friends. (She regularly entertained guests in her home on Tuesdays.)
  • The ambassador's wife gave an at-home for the new diplomats. (She held a reception at her residence for visiting officials.)

Advanced Usage

• "to hold an at-home": to organise a social event in one's home.

  • The society ladies held an at-home to introduce the new member. (They arranged a gathering at a private residence.)

• "at-home day": a specific day designated for receiving visitors at home.

  • Her at-home day was Saturday, when callers were welcome. (Saturday was the regular day for social visits.)

Variants and Related Words

• At-home (adj): relating to or characteristic of a home reception.
  • She wore an at-home gown for the evening event. (A dress suitable for receiving guests at home.)

Synonyms

• Reception: a formal social gathering.
• Soirée: an evening party or social gathering (often at a private home).
• Open house: a party or event where guests are welcome to come and go freely.

Related Idioms

• "be at home": to be in one's own residence; also figuratively, to feel comfortable or familiar.

  • I will be at home all afternoon if you wish to visit. (I will be present at my house.)

• "make oneself at home": to relax and behave as if in one's own home.

  • Please come in and make yourself at home. (Feel free to settle in comfortably.)