receptionist
Americannoun
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a person employed to receive and assist callers, clients, etc., as in an office.
-
Theology. a person who advocates receptionism.
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of receptionist
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.
Vocabulary lists containing receptionist
Seedfolks
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Unit 4, Words to Know
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Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -ist
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Receptionist Tahj Chrichlow says it can get so busy patients end up "packed like sardines".
From BBC • Dec. 8, 2022
Receptionist Lynn cheerfully took us through the steps needed to safeguard our home while we were away, and serviceman Dusty expertly replaced the problem units — without charge — the day after our return.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 2, 2022
Female Receptionist throws open the door to reveal a warehouse-style office strewn with MacBook Airs and ergonomic balls.
From Slate • Jan. 27, 2014
"I can see it now—the Case of Miss X, a Receptionist."
From Occasion for Disaster by Garrett, Randall
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
