receive

verb

re·​ceive ri-ˈsēv How to pronounce receive (audio)
received; receiving

transitive verb

1
: to come into possession of : acquire
receive a gift
2
a
: to act as a receptacle or container for
the cistern receives water from the roof
b
: to assimilate through the mind or senses
receive new ideas
3
a
: to permit to enter : admit
b
c
: to react to in a specified manner
4
: to accept as authoritative, true, or accurate : believe
5
a
: to support the weight or pressure of : bear
b
: to take (a mark or impression) from the weight of something
some clay receives clear impressions
c
: acquire, experience
received his early schooling at home
d
: to suffer the hurt or injury of
received a broken nose

intransitive verb

1
: to be a recipient
2
: to be at home to visitors
receives on Tuesdays
3
: to convert incoming radio waves into perceptible signals
4
: to prepare to take possession of the ball from a kick in football

Examples of receive in a Sentence

… his stark and devastating description of Vichy collaborationism (which he based on German and American archives) was rather badly received in France … Stanley Hoffmann, New York Times Book Review, 1 Nov. 1981
George, white-gloved, with a gardenia in his buttonhole, stood with his mother and the Major, embowered in the big red and gold drawing room downstairs, to "receive" the guests; and, standing thus together, the trio offered a picturesque example of good looks persistent through three generations. Booth Tarkington, The Magnificent Ambersons, 1918
From this time the astronomer was received into familiar friendship, and partook of all their projects and pleasures: his respect kept him attentive, and the activity of Rasselas did not leave much time unengaged. Samuel Johnson, Rasselas, 1759
You will be charged a late fee if the electric company does not receive your payment on time. I received a letter from her yesterday. You will receive a discount if you spend over $100. She received the news of his death with remarkable calmness.
Recent Examples on the Web After Lady Gaga received transphobic comments following her photo shoot with trans TikToker Dylan Mulvaney, the pop star shared a statement on Instagram decrying the negative remarks. Tatiana Tenreyro, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2024 Delta has orders for 100 Max 10 planes and options to purchase 30 more, and had expected to begin receiving the planes next year. Mary Schlangenstein, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024 Limiting governor’s emergency powers STATUS: Sent to Holcomb During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Holcomb received criticism for the continued renewal of the state of emergency that lasted two years. Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Mar. 2024 Not everyone who registered received a code, but enough people did that the show sold out. Journal Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2024 Student of the Week offers schools the chance to celebrate teens who have placed in an art, dance or music competition, excelled in a science fair, won an essay contest, received a scholarship, were recognized for their volunteer service or have shined in some other way. Marcus Reichley, The Arizona Republic, 11 Mar. 2024 Greta Gerwig’s film received audience acclaim and garnered eight noms attention from the Academy. Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Mar. 2024 The full interview airs tomorrow, March 12, but in a preview clip, Applegate expressed gratitude for the copious support she’s received since being diagnosed with MS in 2021. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2024 Sign up here to receive an email right as the chat is about to start. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'receive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French receivre, from Latin recipere, from re- + capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of receive was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near receive

Cite this Entry

“Receive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receive. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

receive

verb
re·​ceive ri-ˈsēv How to pronounce receive (audio)
received; receiving
1
: to take or get something that is given, paid, or sent
receive the money
receive a letter
2
: to welcome on arrival : greet
receive friends
3
: to hold a reception
receive from four to six o'clock
4
: experience entry 2
receive a shock
5
: to change incoming radio waves into sounds or pictures
Etymology

Middle English receiven "to gain possession of," from early French receivre (same meaning), from Latin recipere "receive, take back," from re- "back, again" and capere "to take" — related to accept, capture

More from Merriam-Webster on receive

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