welcome

American  

[wel-kuhm] / ˈwɛl kəm /

interjection

1. (a word of kindly greeting, as to one whose arrival gives pleasure).

   Welcome, stranger!

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noun

1. a kindly greeting or reception, as to one whose arrival gives pleasure.

   to give someone a warm welcome.

verb (used with object)

welcomed, welcoming

1. to greet the arrival of (a person, guests, etc.) with pleasure or kindly courtesy.

2. to receive or accept with pleasure; regard as pleasant or good.

   to welcome a change.

3. to meet, accept, or receive (an action, challenge, person, etc.) in a specified, especially unfriendly, manner.

   They welcomed him with hisses and catcalls.

adjective

1. gladly received, as one whose arrival gives pleasure.

   a welcome visitor.

2. agreeable, as something arriving, occurring, or experienced.

   a welcome rest.

3. given full right by the cordial consent of others.

   She is welcome to try it.

4. without obligation for the courtesy, favor, or service received (used as a conventional response to expressions of thanks): He thanked me, and I told him he was welcome.

   You're quite welcome; I'm glad you like the gift.

   He thanked me, and I told him he was welcome.

idioms

1. wear out one's welcome, to make one's visits so frequent or of such long duration that they become offensive.

   Your cousins have long since worn out their welcome.

welcome British  

/ ˈwɛlkəm /

adjective

1. gladly and cordially received or admitted

   a welcome guest

2. bringing pleasure or gratitude

   a welcome gift

3. freely permitted or invited

   you are welcome to call

4. under no obligation (only in such phrases as you're welcome or he's welcome , as conventional responses to thanks)

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1. an expression of cordial greeting, esp to a person whose arrival is desired or pleasing

noun

1. the act of greeting or receiving a person or thing; reception

   the new theory had a cool welcome

2. to come more often or stay longer than is acceptable or pleasing

verb

1. to greet the arrival of (visitors, guests, etc) cordially or gladly

2. to receive or accept, esp gladly

welcome More Idioms  

1. see warm welcome; wear out one's welcome; you're welcome.

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Other Word Forms

• prewelcome noun
• unwelcome adjective
• unwelcomed adjective
• unwelcoming adjective
• welcomely adverb
• welcomeness noun
• welcomer noun

Etymology

Origin of welcome

First recorded before 900; Middle English, from Scandinavian; compare Old Norse velkominn, equivalent to vel well ¹ + kominn come (past participle); replacing Old English wilcuma “one who is welcome,” equivalent to wil- welcome ( will ² ) + cuma “comer”

Example Sentences

Whilst most would welcome an end to the war, many are wary of talks that could result in an agreement to keep the current leadership in place.

From BBC

The new approach has been welcomed by parents at the school near Brighouse.

From BBC

Spurs fans pin the blame on Levy for failing to back the coach and many would welcome Pochettino back with open arms.

From BBC

Of the opponents, Sanders said, “We welcome them to come to the table with ideas.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Wales' shot at World Cup qualification arrives as a welcome distraction from Forest's fight against relegation for Williams.

From BBC

Related Words

• appreciated
• desirable
• gratifying
• pleasant
• pleasing
• refreshing
• satisfying