receiving line

noun

1. a row formed by the hosts, guests of honor, or the like, for receiving guests formally at a ball, reception, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of receiving line¹

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35

Example Sentences

There is a red carpet, a receiving line and everything you’ll see at the Oscars or the Emmys.

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The Queen will attend the state banquet on Tuesday but will take a short break beforehand while guests are met in a receiving line.

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A fired-up Chapman ran alongside the dugout railing for a receiving line of high-fives to his glove from teammates, and the out call at first base was quickly upheld following a replay review.

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Entering the museum they ascended the grand interior staircase, hit the receiving line, and then headed to cocktails, where, they said, they slowly started to relax.

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My sister, who died at age 48 of breast cancer, had become an angel through the workings of Death, but she had — as reaffirmed again and again through the tears and sorrows of the receiving line — also been an angel in her Waking Life.

Read more on Los Angeles Times