receives; received; receiving
1
: to get or be given (something)
You will be charged a late fee if the electric company does not receive your payment on time.
I received a letter/call from her yesterday.
You will receive a discount if you spend over $100.
This spring he'll receive [=be awarded] his PhD in physics.
2
: to react to (something) in a specified way
She received the news of his death with remarkable calmness.
—often used as (be) receivedHer new book was well/poorly received by the critics. [=the critics liked/disliked her new book]
The results of the study were received with considerable skepticism.
3
formal
: to welcome (someone) in usually a formal way
The ambassador received [=greeted] his guests as they arrived at the party.
4
: to accept (someone) as a member of an organization, church, etc.
—+ into
She was received into the church/university.
5
a
: to suffer (an injury)
He received [=got] a broken nose when he slipped and fell on the ice.
b
: to be given (a punishment)
She received a heavy sentence from the judge.
6
: to experience or take (a medical treatment)
He receives an injection once a week to treat his allergies.
Only one of the patients receiving the new treatment is experiencing bad side effects.
He received a kidney transplant.
7
a
: to get (signals that are sent to a television, radio, etc.)
We were unable to receive the broadcast.
A satellite receives the signals and then sends them back to earth.
b
: to be able to hear (someone who is talking to you on a radio)
I'm receiving you loud and clear.
8
American football
: to be the player or team to which the ball is kicked when play begins
They won the coin toss and chose to receive.
They chose to receive the kickoff.
9
law
: to buy or take (goods that have been stolen) illegally
He was found guilty of receiving stolen goods.
Cite this Entry
“Receive.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/receive. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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