welcome

verb

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wel·come | \ ˈwel-kəm

welcomed; welcoming

Definition of welcome

(Entry 1 of 4)

transitive verb

1 : to greet hospitably and with courtesy or cordiality

2 : to accept with pleasure the occurrence or presence of welcomes danger

welcome

interjection

Definition of welcome (Entry 2 of 4)

—used to express a greeting to a guest or newcomer upon arrival

welcome

adjective

Definition of welcome (Entry 3 of 4)

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— W. M. Thackeray

4 —used in the phrase "You're welcome" as a reply to an expression of thanks

welcome

noun

Definition of welcome (Entry 4 of 4)

1 : a greeting or reception usually upon arrival a warm welcome

2 : the state of being welcome overstayed their welcome

Other Words from welcome Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing welcome Learn More About welcome

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 See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Our focus should include building strong, supportive, and resilient communities, which welcome all of our neighbors. — Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2022 As the ranch prepares to welcome Boy Scouts for its summer programs, staffers are also mindful of the potential for the fire to bring more devastation. — Bryan Pietsch, Washington Post, 17 May 2022 Listeners phoned in to welcome back the longtime cohost. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 16 May 2022 The Good Housekeeping Institute Parenting Lab tests everything new parents need to help welcome your new baby, including bottle warmers, nursing bras and baby formula. — Jamie Spain, Good Housekeeping, 16 May 2022 As baseball’s official historian, John Thorn counts himself among the those who welcome a revamp. — David Wharton, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2022 The Knickerbocker senior apartment building has undergone major renovations and updating, and is now ready to welcome the public for a tour. — Linda Gandee, cleveland, 16 May 2022 In the 1930s, Waldo Sexton first built a getaway house out of driftwood for his family, right on the beach, before expanding the resort to welcome other guests. — Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2022 Orion general manager Ryan Murphy wanted a local flavor for the opening of the venue, soon to welcome stars like Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews Band and Black Keys. — Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, 15 May 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Cost to participate is $140 per player or $560 per foursome and includes 18 holes with cart, lunch, outdoor social hour with appetizers, drink token and welcome gift. — Hartford Courant, 19 May 2022 Its parade of controversial male CEOs devoted little time to understanding the experiences—from receiving unsolicited graphic images to simply not feeling welcome—that drove women and LGBTQ people away from the app. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 18 May 2022 Washington is awash in casual Italian restaurants and expense-account Italian venues, which makes L’Ardente particularly welcome. — Washington Post, 18 May 2022 Guests are welcome to bring a face mask, according to organizers, who ask that anyone who feels unwell or is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms not attend the event. — John Hilliard, BostonGlobe.com, 17 May 2022 At Stoneacre Garden, dogs are welcome on the large patio and on the ground level - a perfect option in inclement weather. — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes, 17 May 2022 School groups, social clubs, families, individuals and businesses are welcome to bring their kites and fly. — Joan Rusek, cleveland, 16 May 2022 As many European countries welcome Ukrainians fleeing war, recent charges against a migrant advocate in Rome offer a reminder that popular anti-migration sentiments persist across Europe. — Eleanor Paynter, The Conversation, 13 May 2022 Strawberry jam delivers a more straightforward sweetness that’s always welcome. — New York Times, 13 May 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun On June 2, an all-ages-welcome kickoff party will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. at GastroPark, 637 New Park Ave. — Susan Dunne, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2022 Biden gave it, offering them a folksy welcome to the Western alliance and promising them the full security protection that membership confers. — Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 19 May 2022 BuzzFeed, which became the first digital media company to go public, through a merger late last year with a special-purpose-acquisition company, has had a rough welcome in public markets, losing more than half its market value. — Alexandra Bruell, WSJ, 18 May 2022 Cruise's enthusiastic welcome smacked in some ways of an action hero's reception, here to save the day. — Jake Coyle, USA TODAY, 18 May 2022 Cruise's enthusiastic welcome smacked in some ways of an action hero's reception, here to save the day. — Jake Coyle, ajc, 18 May 2022 After a welcome from Globe CEO Linda Henry, there was a robust discussion of Boston’s strengths and weaknesses as a tech center. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 17 May 2022 On Sunday, the show tweeted a welcome to the next round of coaches, including singer Camila Cabello. — Lisa Respers France, CNN, 16 May 2022 The Hollywood Reporter understands that, while Tom Cruise will be getting an all-star welcome at the Palais by Thierry Fremaux on Wednesday, May 18 ahead of a special screening of Top Gun: Maverick, there will be no after-party. — Alex Ritman, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 May 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'welcome.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of welcome

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

History and Etymology for welcome

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