reception

American  

[ri-sep-shuhn] / rɪˈsɛp ʃən /

noun

• receptions
  plural

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

2. a manner of being received.

   The book met with a favorable reception.

   Synonyms:

   treatment, reaction, response

3. a function or occasion when persons are formally 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

Derived Forms

• nonreception
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• receptions
  plural

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

See Examples For:

reception receptions

With a theatrical flourish, Vance descended from the steps of Air Force Two, the vice presidential jet, and received a rapturous reception as he entered the event in a flag-draped airport hangar.

From Barron's ● Oct. 10, 2026

As for his reception, less welcoming than usual from the Atlanta faithful?

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026

The man responsible for making the dreams of United fans around the world come true for once was unsure of the reception he would receive from supporters.

From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026

Since its 2020 release, “Promising Young Woman” has become a lightning rod for heated conversation — quite a far cry from its initially warm reception, which led to five Oscar nominations and one win.

From Salon ● Oct. 2, 2026

Axel paces in front of the reception desk.

From "A Bird Will Soar" by Alison Green Myers

Nacua, the NFL receptions leader last season, will return to the lineup against the Eagles.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026

Landon Lattimore of Saugus has 11 touchdown receptions.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2026

Nacua, the NFL’s receptions leader in 2025, sat out the Rams’ victory over the New York Giants on Monday night.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2026

The King will continue to host a range of events at the palace, from state banquets and garden parties to receptions and audiences with the prime minister and new ambassadors.

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026

To my ii embassy receptions, my Philharmonie concerts, my nightly rounds at the Felsenkeller.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

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