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 …

—William 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 of welcome

Verb

• embrace
• greet
• enjoy

Adjective

• pleasant
• delightful
• nice
• enjoyable
• delicious
• sweet
• pleasing
• good
• satisfying
• heavenly

Noun

• salute
• salutation
• greeting

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

Polished yet welcoming, this elegant high-rise places guests steps away from top museums, the famous Recoleta Cemetery, and upscale shopping at Patio Bullrich and Avenida Alvear. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026

The Cubs welcomed the Dodgers to Wrigley Field on Monday for the start of a three-game series that could be a playoff preview. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026

Interjection

To the Japanese, Dutch, Swiss, English, Danish, French, Aussie, Argentine, Jordanian, Kiwi and the rest of our brothers and sisters who have drained their bank accounts who plan to watch the 2026 World Cup here in DFW, welcome — please have your credit card and three-digit PIN ready. — Mac Engel june 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026

He was announced as the host for WrestleMania 42 and appeared in Las Vegas to announce the attendance, welcome Bianca Belair for her pregnancy revelation and had a segment with Danhausen, The Miz and Kit Wilson. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026

Adjective

And in a city where the culinary scene is still evolving, its restaurant is a welcome addition. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026

Having a low admissions rate has long been a source of pride for colleges, but more schools are embracing an all-are-welcome approach as students become harder to recruit. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026

Noun

After a 30-hour trip from London to Auckland, the players and coaches landed in New Zealand in the early hours of last Saturday morning, and started their first day with a cultural welcome from a local Maori tribe. — Elias Burke, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

The Ukrainian president received a bipartisan hero’s welcome in Washington, contrasting with tense previous visits. — Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 29 July 2026

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

• hero's 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

Rhymes for welcome

• unwelcome

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