received; receiving
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
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
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.
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
The first 1,000 tour attendees each day will receive an exclusive Juneau Ave Historical Tour coin.
—Ricardo Torres, Journal Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2024
The scholarship was awarded to 15 to 20 Black undergraduate students who received full tuition, room and board.
—Rayna Reid Rayford, Essence, 16 Apr. 2024
Many eyes will be on the new sequel, not just because of Tynion’s name but because the first was so well received by the art and literature worlds.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Apr. 2024
The first 150 customers with an order of $100 or more will receive a free goodie bag valued at $250.
—Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 16 Apr. 2024
With the latter, the winner receives just over half that amount as a lump sum payment.
—The Arizona Republic, 16 Apr. 2024
Our district never received such a message at any point through the data verification process.
—The Enquirer, 16 Apr. 2024
With all of these vegetables, the abnormally rapid growth starts when the plant receives a series of special cues.
—Corey Buhay, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024
Allen’s current receiving crew lacks the star power associated with a team vying for a Super Bowl title, with the team now predicted to target a pass catcher in the first round of April’s draft.
—Ben Morse, CNN, 4 Apr. 2024
Ricardo Torres, Journal Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2024
The scholarship was awarded to 15 to 20 Black undergraduate students who received full tuition, room and board.
—Rayna Reid Rayford, Essence, 16 Apr. 2024
Many eyes will be on the new sequel, not just because of Tynion’s name but because the first was so well received by the art and literature worlds.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Apr. 2024
The first 150 customers with an order of $100 or more will receive a free goodie bag valued at $250.
—Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 16 Apr. 2024
With the latter, the winner receives just over half that amount as a lump sum payment.
—The Arizona Republic, 16 Apr. 2024
Our district never received such a message at any point through the data verification process.
—The Enquirer, 16 Apr. 2024
With all of these vegetables, the abnormally rapid growth starts when the plant receives a series of special cues.
—Corey Buhay, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024
Allen’s current receiving crew lacks the star power associated with a team vying for a Super Bowl title, with the team now predicted to target a pass catcher in the first round of April’s draft.
—Ben Morse, CNN, 4 Apr. 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.
Dictionary Entries Near receive
Cite this Entry
“Receive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receive. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
receive
verb
re·ceive
ri-ˈsēv 
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share