If you say that someone keeps open house, you mean that they welcome friends or visitors to their house whenever they arrive and allow them to stay for as long as they want to.
Father Illtyd kept open house and the boys would congregate in his study during theirrecreation time, playing cards or games.
2. variable noun [oft NOUN noun]
An open house is a day on which members of the public are encouraged to visit a particular institution or place to see what it is like.
[US]
...at a Saturday open house earlier this month.
A week later, Sara and I attended open house at Ted's school. [+ at]
The farm is open to the public only during two open-house weekends.
regional note: in BRIT, use open day
open house in British English
noun
1. US and Canadian
an occasion on which an institution, such as a school, is open for inspection by the public
Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): open day, at-home
2. keep open house
3. US and New Zealand
a house available for inspection by prospective buyers
open house in American English
1.
an informal reception at one's home, with visitors freely coming and going
2.
an occasion when a school, institution, etc. is open to visitors for inspection andobservation of activities
Examples of 'open house' in a sentence
open house
Remember three things: my wife and I keep open house, I shan't forget you and I sincerely hope we shall meet again.
Howatch, Susan ULTIMATE PRIZES (2001)
`Oh, my dear chap, it was open house all round that night.
Meek, M R D A WORM OF DOUBT (2001)
"Well why don't we just have an open house for the county?
Clive Barker GALILEE (2001)
"I still think we ought to have invited him to our open house.
Elizabeth Peters HE SHALL THUNDER IN THE SKY (2001)