guest

A guest is a person who is invited to visit or stay at someone else's home or at an event. Guests may be hosted for a short visit, a meal, or a longer stay. The host's responsibilities typically include ensuring the guest's comfort, safety, and courtesy. The term also applies to attendees of performances, conferences, or social occasions who are invited or admitted as non-paying participants.

In hospitality and travel, a guest is a customer of a hotel, inn, or resort. Hotels manage arrivals and accommodations through check-in procedures, room assignments, and guest services, with an emphasis on privacy and safety. A guest generally pays for lodging and related amenities, while staff provide housekeeping, dining, and other support services. The guest experience is a central measure of quality in lodging establishments.

Other common uses include the guest of honor at ceremonies, a guest speaker or performer, and the guest list or guest book maintained at events or venues. The concept highlights a reciprocal relationship between host and guest and can be influenced by cultural norms and etiquette.

In computing, a guest account or guest user is a restricted access profile that allows limited use of a system or service without a full account. The word derives from Old English gæst, with Germanic roots, and has been used in English since the Middle Ages to describe someone who visits but does not reside permanently.