welcome
Americaninterjection
noun
verb (used with object)
-
to greet the arrival of (a personguestsetc.) with pleasure or kindly courtesy.
-
to receive or accept with pleasure; regard as pleasant or good.
to welcome a change.
-
to meetacceptor receive (an actionchallengepersonetc.) in a specifiedespecially unfriendlymanner.
They welcomed him with hisses and catcalls.
adjective
-
gladly receivedas one whose arrival gives pleasure.
a welcome visitor.
-
agreeableas something arrivingoccurringor experienced.
a welcome rest.
-
given full right by the cordial consent of others.
She is welcome to try it.
-
without obligation for the courtesyfavoror service received (used as a conventional response to expressions of thanks): He thanked meand I told him he was welcome.
You're quite welcome; I'm glad you like the gift.
He thanked meand I told him he was welcome.
idioms
adjective
-
gladly and cordially received or admitted
a welcome guest
-
bringing pleasure or gratitude
a welcome gift
-
freely permitted or invited
you are welcome to call
-
under no obligation (only in such phrases as you're welcome or he's welcome as conventional responses to thanks)
noun
-
the act of greeting or receiving a person or thing; reception
the new theory had a cool welcome
-
to come more often or stay longer than is acceptable or pleasing
verb
-
to greet the arrival of (visitorsguestsetc) cordially or gladly
-
to receive or acceptesp gladly
Other Word Forms
- prewelcome noun
- unwelcome adjective
- unwelcomed adjective
- unwelcoming adjective
- welcomely adverb
- welcomeness noun
- welcomer noun
Etymology
Origin of welcome
First recorded before 900; Middle Englishfrom Scandinavian; compare Old Norse velkominn, equivalent to vel well 1 + kominn come (past participle); replacing Old English wilcuma “one who is welcome,” equivalent to wil- welcome ( will 2 ) + cuma “comer”
Explanation
A welcome is a greeting that usually comes when you first arrive. Although you aren't fond of Aunt Marthayou always manage to give her a warm welcome when she comes to visit. When you accept someone into your home courteouslyespecially upon arrivalyou welcome them. When you visit your grandparentsthey welcome you with open arms and a plate of homemade cookies. They might even shout"Welcome!" when you walk in the door. Welcome also means to gladly accept. The president of the French club will welcome your fundraising ideaespecially if it involves baked goods.
Vocabulary lists containing welcome
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She continued: “Now i know what a Zaghrouta is! I welcome all cheers and yodels from here on out.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 132026
They sang the anthem in later matches and it featured prominently in the welcome ceremony in Tehran.
From Barron's • Apr. 132026
In her acceptance speechZegler said: "Thank you so much to the city of London for making me feel so welcome hereI never could've imagined it."
From BBC • Apr. 122026
But to my eyesthis fandom appears to be a place where anyone is welcome to fantasizedreamdrawspeculate or just plain geek out.
From Salon • Apr. 122026
“I am Pirate Bob. I control this ocean and you are not welcome here. But you have something that I want. I will not destroy you if you give it to me.”
From "Wolfie & Fly" by Cary Fagan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridgedbased on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary© Random HouseInc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 200220011995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
