receiving line

noun

: a group of people who stand in a line and individually welcome guests (as at a wedding reception)

Examples of receiving line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web American leaders have been shot at close range and long range, indoors and outdoors, from sniper nests in high buildings and from the apparently friendly surroundings of a receiving line. Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 14 July 2024 There would be some urgency in his voice, but also some restraint, and the effect would be that of a member of the Royal Family pausing in a receiving line to speak to a retired Olympian. Fiona McFarlane, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 President Biden and Jill Biden, the first lady, were first in the receiving line. Kenny Holston, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2024 Live Coverage Feed 14 hours ago Republicans Greet Mike Johnson With Hugs Inside the room, Republicans are approaching Rep. Mike Johnson (R., La.), who is almost a one-man receiving line. Siobhan Hughes, WSJ, 25 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for receiving line 

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

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of receiving line was in 1933

Dictionary Entries Near receiving line

Cite this Entry

“Receiving line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receiving%20line. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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