welcome

American  

[wel-kuhm] / ˈwɛl kəm /

interjection

1. (a word of kindly greeting, as to one whose arrival gives pleasure).

   Welcome, stranger!

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noun

1. a kindly greeting or reception, as to one whose arrival gives pleasure.

   to give someone a warm welcome.

verb (used with object)

welcomed, welcoming

1. to greet the arrival of (a person, guests, etc.) with pleasure or kindly courtesy.

2. to receive or accept with pleasure; regard as pleasant or good.

   to welcome a change.

3. to meet, accept, or receive (an action, challenge, person, etc.) in a specified, especially unfriendly, manner.

   They welcomed him with hisses and catcalls.

adjective

1. gladly received, as one whose arrival gives pleasure.

   a welcome visitor.

2. agreeable, as something arriving, occurring, or experienced.

   a welcome rest.

3. given full right by the cordial consent of others.

   She is welcome to try it.

4. without obligation for the courtesy, favor, or service received (used as a conventional response to expressions of thanks): He thanked me, and I told him he was welcome.

   You're quite welcome; I'm glad you like the gift.

   He thanked me, and I told him he was welcome.

idioms

1. wear out one's welcome, to make one's visits so frequent or of such long duration that they become offensive.

   Your cousins have long since worn out their welcome.

welcome British  

/ ˈwɛlkəm /

adjective

1. gladly and cordially received or admitted

   a welcome guest

2. bringing pleasure or gratitude

   a welcome gift

3. freely permitted or invited

   you are welcome to call

4. under no obligation (only in such phrases as you're welcome or he's welcome , as conventional responses to thanks)

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1. an expression of cordial greeting, esp to a person whose arrival is desired or pleasing

noun

1. the act of greeting or receiving a person or thing; reception

   the new theory had a cool welcome

2. to come more often or stay longer than is acceptable or pleasing

verb

1. to greet the arrival of (visitors, guests, etc) cordially or gladly

2. to receive or accept, esp gladly

welcome More Idioms  

1. see warm welcome; wear out one's welcome; you're welcome.

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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 English, from 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”

Example Sentences

At the time, McDonald's said it welcomed the new measures, adding that they would "build on the significant progress we have already made in this space".

From BBC

Trade unions welcomed the latest impact assessment, saying it would bring "significant benefits to UK workers, our economy and wider society".

From BBC

The sprint for more munitions is a welcome development and a timely reminder that the U.S. can still choose to defend itself and its global interests.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Scottish Police Federation - which represents officers up to the rank of chief inspector - has welcomed the training but it believes the restrictions will have a significant, temporary impact.

From BBC

Phillip Jones, 79, welcomed "anything that can bring jobs, the good jobs are not here."

From BBC

Related Words

• appreciated
• desirable
• gratifying
• pleasant
• pleasing
• refreshing
• satisfying