plural receptions
1
: the kind of welcome that someone or something is given
—usually singular
The performers did not get the warm reception they had hoped for.
His suggestion was given a cool reception. [=people were not enthusiastic about his suggestion]
2
: a social gathering to celebrate something or to welcome someone
The school held a reception for the new students and their families.
a wedding reception
3
: the act or process of receiving, welcoming, or accepting something or someone
He decided to run for a seat on the school committee only a year after his reception into the community.
Her job is to deal with the reception of donations.
4
—used to describe how well or badly a radio, television, etc., is able to receive signals
Our TV gets poor reception because of all the trees around the house.
My cell phone reception is terrible.
5
: a desk or area in a hotel, office building, etc., where visitors first go after entering
Check in at reception when you arrive. = Check in at the reception desk when you arrive.
I waited in the reception area. [=lobby]
6
American football
: the act of catching a forward pass
He had three receptions [=he caught three passes] in today's game.
Cite this Entry
“Reception.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/reception. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.
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