receiving line

American  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of receiving line

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.

From Salon

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

From BBC

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.

From Seattle Times

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.

From Seattle Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times