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

Guests were welcomed at nearly every port of call with a friendly crew (and sometimes, lively performances), perhaps vendors selling souvenirs, and dedicated staff to help navigate to where to go. —Katie Chang, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

After welcoming her son Milo in September, Erica Carillon, 33, has loved seeing how her pet reacts to the new addition. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024

Adjective

The wedding weekend kicked off with a welcome party at The Acoaxet Club. —Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2024

Israel, Iran race to cement relations with Syrian rebels The sudden fall this weekend of the Assad regime, long backed by Iran and allied with its proxy forces in the region, represented a welcome development for Netanyahu. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024

Noun

There, a narrator and singer welcomes and regales guests with tales of how different Latin countries present stories of Santa Claus, or, say, the joy of unwrapping a tamale. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024

The couple received a royal welcome from Kate Middleton and Prince William earlier during the day. —Julia Teti, WWD, 4 Dec. 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