receptionist

American  

[ri-sep-shuh-nist] / rɪˈsɛp ʃə nɪst /

noun

1. a person employed to receive and assist callers, clients, etc., as in an office.

2. Theology. a person who advocates receptionism.

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receptionist British  

/ rɪˈsɛpʃənɪst /

noun

1. a person employed in an office, hotel, doctor's surgery, etc, to receive clients, guests, or patients, answer the telephone, arrange appointments, etc

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Etymology

Origin of receptionist

First recorded in 1865–70; reception + -ist

Explanation

If you work as a receptionist in an office, you'll greet visitors and answer the phone. The receptionist in a dentist's office is usually the person to schedule your next appointment. Most offices have a receptionist, a type of secretary who's typically the first person you see when you walk into the room. Hotels often describe this person as a "desk clerk," but this is essentially a receptionist who books reservations and hands you your room key when you check in. The word receptionist dates from about 1900, when the earliest receptionists were hired to work in photography studios.

Example Sentences

Receptionist Tierra Malcolm told jurors that she saw Ellis corner Cardi B — and then, when the receptionist got between them, the guard reached for the rapper.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 27, 2025

It resulted in Lu's first feature film, The Receptionist, which premieres in Taiwan on Friday and at the Edinburgh Film Festival in the UK next week.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2017

Female Receptionist and Becky arrive at a child’s playpen at the corner of the office.

From Slate • Jan. 27, 2014

"The Receptionist" is an articulate, inviting book, but with something of an identity crisis.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 3, 2012

"I can see it now: The Case of Miss X, a Receptionist."

From Supermind by Janifer, Laurence M.

Related Words

• agent
• auditor
• bookkeeper
• cashier
• employee
• operator
• salesperson
• secretary
• teller
• worker