reception

American  

[ri-sep-shuhn] / rɪˈsɛp ʃən /

noun

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

• 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

In contrast to the hostile reception for Littler, Dutch duo Van Veen and Van Gerwen were roared on to the stage by the fans in Rotterdam.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

In northeastern Annaba -- formerly the ancient Roman city of Hippo -- Leo will visit vestiges of the city's historical past, as well as a reception centre run by Catholic nuns for impoverished elderly people.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Their reception will be a test of how those franchises can hold up in the post-pandemic era, particularly at a time when superhero films may have finally reached their ceiling.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Verizon has benefited from a flight to safety and from strong initial reception to new corporate direction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

A whirlwind romance had burst into being at a royal reception with the breaking of a string of pearls.

From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck

Related Words

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