hosts file

noun

A plain text file used by an operating system to map hostnames to IP addresses.

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Meanings

nounhosts file (plural hosts files)

plural hosts files

  1. computingA plain text file used by an operating system to map hostnames to IP addresses.
Cite this entry
APA

hosts file. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/hosts%20file

MLA

“hosts file.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/hosts%20file. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “hosts file,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/hosts%20file.

Source: hosts file on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.