reception

American  

[ri-sep-shuhn] / rɪˈsɛp ʃən /

noun

1. the act of receiving or the state of being received. received.

2. a manner of being received: received.

   The book met with a favorable reception.

   Synonyms:

   treatment, reaction, response

3. a function or occasion when persons are formally received: received.

   a wedding reception.

4. the quality or fidelity attained in receiving radio or television broadcasts under given circumstances.

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reception British  

/ rɪˈsɛpʃən /

noun

1. the act of receiving or state of being received

2. the manner in which something, such as a guest or a new idea, is received

   a cold reception

3. a formal party for guests, such as one after a wedding

4. an area in an office, hotel, etc, where visitors or guests are received and appointments or reservations dealt with

5. short for reception room

6. the quality or fidelity of a received radio or television broadcast

   the reception was poor

7. 1. the first class in an infant school

   2. a class in a school designed to receive new immigrants, esp those whose knowledge of English is poor

   3. ( as modifier )

      a reception teacher

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Other Word Forms

• nonreception noun

Etymology

Origin of reception

1350–1400; Middle English recepcion < Latin receptiōn- (stem of receptiō ), equivalent to recept ( us ) (past participle of recipere to receive ) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

Reception is the act of receiving, or getting something, or the way it is received. If your book receives a positive reception, it means people receive it well. In other words, they like it. A reception can also be a party, such as a wedding reception. A reception area is an office waiting room where visitors are greeted and the receptionist sits. Reception can also refer to the quality of a broadcast signal, as received by a TV or radio. Good reception means a clear, strong signal, and poor reception means you might want to shake or kick the TV screen. A reception is also the act of catching the ball in American football.

Example Sentences

On the large screen dominating the cavernous Jinnah Convention Centre, state television aired footage of his arrival and reception by Pakistani officials, prominently including army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

Sources say preparations were made for a similar reception but was cancelled following news of the disappearance of the players.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

I actually have seen people where the reception to them has been negative, and it’s affected their brand partnerships as well, because they’re not handling it the right way.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

From the outset, the justices gave Trump’s solicitor general, John Sauer, a frosty reception.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

The guard whispers to the woman behind the reception desk.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• encounter
• gathering
• greeting
• meeting
• reaction
• receiving
• response
• welcome