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

see also:

hero's 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

For over 70 years, the Cannes Lions festival has welcomed marketing and advertising suits to the South of France for a week of schmoozing and dealmaking. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026

Child safety advocates and some parents have welcomed age restrictions, while privacy groups say the rules can be cheated and that forcing users to supply identification raises privacy concerns. — ABC News, 24 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

Both Silas and Sandy stressed that all American service veterans were welcome. — Gregory Harutunian, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Best of luck, new coach Todd Monken and welcome to Cleveland, which also traded away best player Myles Garrett. — Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

Noun

Isak was never going to receive a warm welcome for his first game at St James’ Park since moving to Liverpool last summer. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

And so the current Usher is a legacy act, the lover who overstays his welcome. — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 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