welcome

verb

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 Learn More about welcome

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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

Later, at work, Bongwan welcomes a new assistant, Areum (Kim Min-hee), whom he's hired to replace Changsook. — Ben Sachs, Chicago Reader, "Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee's real-life affair yields a trio of films about infidelity," 12 July 2018 My observation has been that the Mariners as an organization has been welcoming to Latino players during Dipoto’s tenure running baseball operations. — Larry Stone, The Seattle Times, "No matter how it plays out, Lorena Martin’s racism claim against Mariners stains the organization," 14 Nov. 2018 Robinson’s words were also significant in light of a Christian culture that, by and large, has not been welcoming to LGBTQ people. — Tara Isabella Burton, Vox, "“Welcome home, Matt”: Bishop Robinson welcomes Matthew Shepard — and gay Christians — back to the church," 26 Oct. 2018 Friends of Condé Nast Traveler gathered for a special evening as Editor in Chief Pilar Guzmán welcomed Publisher, Brendan Coolidge Monaghan. — Condé Naste Traveler: Post, "A Toast to Traveler," 26 Oct. 2018 Twitter’s intention is to make conversations feel more welcoming by making it look more like a discussion among friends — and invite you to participate in a friendly way, too. — Casey Newton, The Verge, "Twitter tests new profile features, including presence indicators and ‘ice breakers’," 24 Oct. 2018 Roots Long windows filter plenty of natural light into Roots, a welcoming space featuring concrete floors, a wooden bar, benches, tables, and a wall decorated with local art. — Katie Lockhart, Condé Nast Traveler, "11 Best Places For Coffee in Bangkok," 18 Oct. 2018 Veronica starts off season two welcoming her father home from prison and dealing with the concern that her parents were behind Fred Andrew's shooting. — Carolyn Twersky, Seventeen, "Everything That Happened On "Riverdale" Season 2," 8 Oct. 2018 Find a gym that feels welcoming, and be open to switching if the atmosphere doesn’t feel right. — Gray Chapman, SELF, "Here's How I Conquered Weight Room Anxiety," 8 Sep. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Interjection

Welcome, Baskets and Better Things and One Mississippi and now The Cops [all from C.K.'s production company] and more to come. — Lacey Rose, The Hollywood Reporter, "FX Chief John Landgraf Talks 'Peak TV,' 'Louie' Future and Netflix: It's "Shoveling Money"," 25 May 2017 Her presence in the race adds new dimensions to the conversation, and that’s welcome. — Pioneer Press Editorial Board, Twin Cities, "Conversing with St. Paul mayoral candidates: Elizabeth Dickinson," 22 Mar. 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

TODAY’S DAILY DIGIT A somewhat subjective rating of the day’s weather, on a scale of 0 to 10. 10/10: Rinse and repeat of sunny and dry are even more welcome with a few gray days ahead! — Brian Jackson, Washington Post, "D.C.-area forecast: Bright and cheery today; turning gray and gloomy tomorrow," 27 Aug. 2017 On tour, though, care of Lövik often falls to Irina, which can be a welcome distraction for her during Sascha’s matches. — Longreads, "Family Band," 22 Aug. 2017 Cars like the Elantra, then, are a welcome respite for those of us who actually like to drive, who like the feeling of controlling the machine. — Andrew Moseman, Popular Mechanics, "The Manual Car Is About More Than Shifting Gears," 19 Aug. 2017 The couple made a welcome toast, thanking their guests for sharing in the weekend– — Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Exclusive: Erin Andrews and Jarret Stoll's Mountain-Top Wedding in Montana," 16 Aug. 2017 Conductor Lisa LeMay’s 17-strong orchestra handles the various musical flavors well, and there’s lots of drama and surprise to the lighting design by David Cuthbert, a welcome San Diego returnee. — James Hebert, sandiegouniontribune.com, "San Diego Rep revival lends heart to tuneful but cynical 'Evita'," 10 Aug. 2017 In this salad, the saltiness of the cod and the tang of the cheese bring a welcome punch. — Daniel Boulud, ELLE Decor, "3 Timeless French Recipes From France's Most Admired Chefs," 9 Aug. 2017 After the welcome bubbles, guests will learn the art of creating the perfect champagne cocktail(s) with the property's resident bartender. — Micaela English, Town & Country, "This Charming Maine Inn Has An Entire Weekend Dedicated To Champagne," 7 Aug. 2017 Residents who would like to host a gathering are also welcome to do so since several areas do not have a block captain. — Elizabeth Marie Himchak, Rancho Bernardo, "National Night Out events planned for Tuesday," 27 July 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Aside from a warm welcome, the gesture signified their continued faith not only in Ram, but in the power of good, and its enduring ability to overcome evil. — Noor Brara, Vogue, "Celebrating Diwali, in Light of the Midterms," 10 Nov. 2018 With the start of Iditarod upon us, now is a good time to extend a warm, familiar welcome to our sport's biggest fans — fellow Alaskans. — Anchorage Daily News, "Iditarod CEO: Let’s clear the air about the Last Great Race," 2 Mar. 2018 The support was welcome, however, because nuke detonations are meant to be a large-scale affair. — Patricia Hernandez, The Verge, "Fallout 76’s first end-game nuke launches, starts apocalyptic battle," 15 Nov. 2018 The Duke and Duchess stepped out for their very first engagement during the tour, which was a formal welcome to Admiralty House, the government house where the couple are staying while in Sydney during their trip. — Maggie Maloney, Town & Country, "Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Just Received Their First Baby Gift," 15 Oct. 2018 And for another, given what’s going on in the world, her return is very much welcome. — Mark Holgate, Vogue, "Jenna Lyons Is Back, and She’s Returning With a Brand-New Multi-Platform Venture," 8 Oct. 2018 Because families are a welcome and essential part of our campaign, childcare is, too. — Katie Turner, Teen Vogue, "Being a Field Director, Explained," 20 July 2018 Children ages 3 through sixth grade are welcome to attend. — Kerry Plummer, baltimoresun.com, "Dancing for better health [Marriottsville/Sykesville/Woodstock]," 6 July 2018 The 26-year-old model is hosting an event to celebrate her win, and anybody who wants to be there is welcome. — Daniela Sternitzky-di Napoli, Houston Chronicle, "Here's what it costs to party with Kate Upton at the 2018 Maxim Hot 100 Experience," 27 June 2018

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

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