welcome

verb

wel·​come ˈwel-kəm How to pronounce welcome (audio)
welcomed; welcoming
Synonyms of welcomenext

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

Examples of welcome in a Sentence

She welcomed the students into her home. We welcome you to the show. He's a bright student who welcomes a challenge.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ever since 1948, when the resident artist Victor Vasarely put Gordes on the map, the town has welcomed political bigwigs, French presidents, artists, and musicians. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026 While crews were still putting on the finishing touches — including paving part of the parking garage entrance — Chicago and national media were given a preview of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park yesterday ahead of it welcoming the public later this month. Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026 Instead, the ceremonies will combine welcoming speeches, a parade of flags, the presentation of the match ball and about 30 minutes of musical entertainment. ABC News, 4 June 2026 There will be more police officers, trains and buses that are affordable as the Big Apple prepares to welcome soccer fans from all over the world. Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for welcome

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English welcumian, wylcumian, from wilcuma, noun

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of welcome was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Welcome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/welcome. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

welcome

1 of 4 interjection
wel·​come ˈwel-kəm How to pronounce welcome (audio)
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

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