reception

noun

re·​cep·​tion ri-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce reception (audio)
1
: the act or action or an instance of receiving: such as
a
: receipt
the reception and distribution of funds
b
: admission
reception into the church
c
: response, reaction
the play met with a mixed reception
d
: the receiving of a radio or television broadcast
e
: the catching of a forward pass by a receiver
2
: a social gathering often for the purpose of extending a formal welcome

Did you know?

Reception is the noun form of receive. So at a formal reception, guests are received or welcomed or "taken in". A bad TV reception means the signal isn't being received well. When a new novel receives good reviews, we say it has met with a good critical reception. If it gets a poor reception, on the other hand, that's the same as saying that it wasn't well-received.

Examples of reception in a Sentence

The school held a reception for the new students and their families. He decided to run for a seat on the school committee only a year after his reception into the community. Her job is to deal with the reception of donations.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the scrimmage, Kitt-Denton warmed up with a 10-yard reception from Denegal on the opening play of the sixth drive. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025 The newlyweds made a grand exit in a classic Rolls-Royce, heading to their reception nearby at the Crystal Ballroom at the Rice hotel. Nia Decaille, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 Wind Creek expects the second-floor ballroom, just under 7,000 square feet with seating for up to 500 people when laid out in a banquet format, to be popular for special events such as wedding receptions. Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025 The opening reception is Friday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free. John Coffren, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reception

Word History

Etymology

Middle English recepcion, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French reception, from Latin reception-, receptio, from recipere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reception was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reception. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

reception

noun
re·​cep·​tion ri-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce reception (audio)
1
: the act or process of receiving, welcoming, or accepting
a warm reception
2
: the receiving of a radio or television broadcast
3
: a social gathering
a wedding reception

More from Merriam-Webster on reception

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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