reception

noun

re·​cep·​tion ri-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce reception (audio)
1
: the act or action or an instance of receiving: such as
a
: receipt
the reception and distribution of funds
b
: admission
reception into the church
c
: response, reaction
the play met with a mixed reception
d
: the receiving of a radio or television broadcast
e
: the catching of a forward pass by a receiver
2
: a social gathering often for the purpose of extending a formal welcome

Did you know?

Reception is the noun form of receive. So at a formal reception, guests are received or welcomed or "taken in". A bad TV reception means the signal isn't being received well. When a new novel receives good reviews, we say it has met with a good critical reception. If it gets a poor reception, on the other hand, that's the same as saying that it wasn't well-received.

Examples of reception in a Sentence

The school held a reception for the new students and their families. He decided to run for a seat on the school committee only a year after his reception into the community. Her job is to deal with the reception of donations.
Recent Examples on the Web Elsewhere, tables and chairs were set up outside on the grass, as well as under another tent, seemingly for a reception dinner, as guests in suits, dresses and other formal wear mingled on the harbour. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 27 Sep. 2024 His employer’s famed airboats were seen tied to a nearby dock and one was adorned with flowers for the celebration. March 26, 2023 The reception took place along the public harbor, boasting several tables and large tents. Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024 Back at the wedding reception, Noma uses her first dance as Mrs. Cane Tejada to demand that her new husband choose once and for all: his mother, or Noma’s organization. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 27 Sep. 2024 Before news of federal charges broke Wednesday, Adams was at a reception at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which President Joe Biden also attended. Jonathan Dienst, NBC News, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reception 

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English recepcion, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French reception, from Latin reception-, receptio, from recipere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reception was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near reception

Cite this Entry

“Reception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reception. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

reception

noun
re·​cep·​tion ri-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce reception (audio)
1
: the act or process of receiving, welcoming, or accepting
a warm reception
2
: the receiving of a radio or television broadcast
3
: a social gathering
a wedding reception

More from Merriam-Webster on reception

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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