welcome

1 of 4

verb

wel·​come ˈwel-kəm 

welcomed; welcoming

transitive verb

1

: to greet hospitably and with courtesy or cordiality

2

: to accept with pleasure the occurrence or presence of

welcomes danger

welcomer noun

welcome

2 of 4

interjection

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

welcome

3 of 4

adjective

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 …

—William Thackeray

4

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

welcomely adverb

welcomeness noun

welcome

4 of 4

noun

1

: a greeting or reception usually upon arrival

a warm welcome

2

: the state of being welcome

overstayed their welcome

Synonyms of welcome

Verb

• embrace
• greet
• enjoy

Adjective

• pleasant
• delightful
• nice
• enjoyable
• delicious
• sweet
• pleasing
• good
• satisfying
• heavenly

Noun

• salute
• salutation
• greeting

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

Data center debates takeover small town Texas Many state and local officials welcome the blossoming industry as an economic opportunity in small communities where revenue can be hard to come by. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026

In addition, find out the upcoming schedule for the nonprofit that welcomes new volunteers and donations year-round. —Holly Andres, Daily News, 7 May 2026

Interjection

Carlos Estévez received his Kansas City welcome last season. —Kansas City Star, 17 Feb. 2026

Spurs, meanwhile, welcome Aston Villa, who have already won at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League this season and eliminated the north London side from last season’s FA Cup at the fourth-round stage, on Saturday evening. —Colin Millar, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026

Adjective

Two Marriott credit cards have increased welcome bonuses set to expire on May 13, 2026. —Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 6 May 2026

During their stroll, Monroe stands over a subway grate as the whoosh of a passing train blows the skirt of her white halter dress up, a welcome respite from the sweltering heatwave that has gripped the city. —Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026

Noun

Her warmth and her welcome was just the beginning of this amazing journey. —Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 8 May 2026

Good morning and welcome to Fox News' morning newsletter, Fox News First. —FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing welcome

• hero's welcome
• outstay one's welcome
• overstay one's welcome
• put/roll/throw out the welcome mat
• wear out one's welcome
• welcome mat
• welcome to the club
• you're welcome

Rhymes for welcome

• unwelcome

Kids Definition

welcome

1 of 4 interjection

wel·​come ˈwel-kəm 

—used to greet a guest or newcomer upon arrival

welcome

2 of 4 verb

welcomed; welcoming

1

: to greet in a warm and friendly manner

2

: to receive or accept with pleasure

welcomes a challenge

welcomer noun

welcome

3 of 4 adjective

1

: received gladly

a welcome visitor

2

: giving pleasure : pleasing

welcome news

3

: willingly permitted to do, have, or enjoy something

anyone is welcome to use the pool

4

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

welcome

4 of 4 noun

: a friendly greeting or reception