welcome

1 of 4

verb

wel·​come ˈwel-kəm 

welcomed; welcoming

transitive verb

1

: to greet hospitably and with courtesy or cordiality

2

: to accept with pleasure the occurrence or presence of

welcomes danger

welcomer noun

welcome

2 of 4

interjection

—used to express a greeting to a guest or newcomer upon arrival

welcome

3 of 4

adjective

1

: received gladly into one's presence or companionship

was always welcome in their home

2

: giving pleasure : received with gladness or delight especially in response to a need

a welcome relief

3

: willingly permitted or admitted

he was welcome to come and go

—W. M. Thackeray

4

—used in the phrase "You're welcome" as a reply to an expression of thanks

welcomely adverb

welcomeness noun

welcome

4 of 4

noun

1

: a greeting or reception usually upon arrival

a warm welcome

2

: the state of being welcome

overstayed their welcome

Synonyms

Verb

• drink (in)
• eat (up)
• embrace
• lap (up)

Adjective

• agreeable
• blessed
• blest
• congenial
• darling
• delectable
• delicious
• delightful
• delightsome
• dreamy
• dulcet
• enjoyable
• felicitous
• good
• grateful
• gratifying
• heavenly
• jolly
• luscious
• nice
• palatable
• pleasant
• pleasing
• pleasurable
• pretty
• satisfying
• savory
• savoury
• sweet
• tasty

Noun

• greeting
• hello
• salutation
• salute

Examples of welcome in a Sentence

Verb

She welcomed the students into her home.

We welcome you to the show.

He's a bright student who welcomes a challenge.

Adjective

That will be a welcome change.

He was a welcome sight.

Noun

He was given a hero's welcome when he returned home after winning the race.

offered a warm welcome to the stranger

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

China demonstrated its pull on the world stage by welcoming a delegation from Saudi Arabia with its first pavilion at the event, as well as its close ties with Russia even as that country is isolated from Western nations and their allies due to its invasion of Ukraine. —Reuters, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024

The United States has welcomed an expeditionary Europe, whether the challenge has been counterterrorism or managing the revisionist activities of China or Russia. —Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024

Adjective

An always-available search function in a complex desktop application is always welcome. —PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024

The green-and-pink barrage is part of Universal’s marketing strategy for the film and could bring a welcome boost to the retail industry just in time for the crucial holiday period. —Sarah Whitten, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024

Noun

Built on the endearingly boyish charm of lead Grant Gustin, the longest-running (ha) of the Arrowverse shows would eventually overstay its welcome after nine seasons, its initial spark sapped by sister series. —Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024

Homecomings usually are full of warm welcomes, fond appreciation and admiration. —Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English welcumian, wylcumian, from wilcuma, noun

Interjection

Middle English, alteration of wilcume, from Old English, from wilcuma desirable guest (akin to Old High German willicomo desirable guest); akin to Old English willa, will desire, cuman to come — more at will, come

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Interjection

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing welcome

• outstay one's welcome
• overstay one's welcome
• put/roll/throw out the welcome mat
• wear out one's welcome
• welcome mat
• welcome to the club
• you're welcome

Kids Definition

welcome

1 of 4 interjection

wel·​come ˈwel-kəm 

—used to greet a guest or newcomer upon arrival

welcome

2 of 4 verb

welcomed; welcoming

1

: to greet in a warm and friendly manner

2

: to receive or accept with pleasure

welcomes a challenge

welcomer noun

welcome

3 of 4 adjective

1

: received gladly

a welcome visitor

2

: giving pleasure : pleasing

welcome news

3

: willingly permitted to do, have, or enjoy something

anyone is welcome to use the pool

4

—used in the phrase "You're welcome" as a reply to an expression of thanks

welcome

4 of 4 noun

: a friendly greeting or reception