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
Mara Brock Akil is set to receive one of the industry’s highest honors at this year’s Hollywood Confidential, where the trailblazing writer and producer will be celebrated with the ICON Award.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 13 Sep. 2025
If the initial response is anything to go by, this was not Enninful’s most viral cover launch (his penultimate Vogue issue was also fronted by Roberts, and that Instagram reveal got over 70,000 likes, compared to the 11,000 received for his new 72 cover).
—Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Under the terms of the WGA East’s PBS contract, writers on these titles will receive pension and health contributions from their work and residuals for AVOD and SVOD reuse.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
Subscribe here to receive the newsletter in your inbox every other Friday.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for receive
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Okla Jones, Essence, 13 Sep. 2025
If the initial response is anything to go by, this was not Enninful’s most viral cover launch (his penultimate Vogue issue was also fronted by Roberts, and that Instagram reveal got over 70,000 likes, compared to the 11,000 received for his new 72 cover).
—Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Under the terms of the WGA East’s PBS contract, writers on these titles will receive pension and health contributions from their work and residuals for AVOD and SVOD reuse.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
Subscribe here to receive the newsletter in your inbox every other Friday.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for receive
Cite this Entry
“Receive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receive. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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
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