—used as a friendly greeting to someone who has arrived at a place
Welcome to America!
Welcome home!
Welcome back. We missed you.
1
: giving someone happiness or pleasure
That is welcome news.
That will be a welcome change.
He was a welcome sight.
2
—used to say that you are happy to have someone come to and stay in a place (such as your home)
You're always welcome in our home. [=we are always glad to have you as a guest in our home]
They always made us feel very welcome when we visited them.
3
a
—used to say that someone can have or take something because you do not want it yourself —+ to
If you want that last cookie, you're welcome to it—I can't eat another bite.
If she really wants this old computer, she's welcome to it.
b
—used to say that someone can certainly do or use something if he or she wants to —followed by to + verb
Anyone is welcome to use the pool. [=anyone can use the pool]
You are welcome to sleep here if you want.
welcomes; welcomed; welcoming
1
: to greet (someone) in a warm and friendly manner
She welcomed the students into her home.
We welcome you to the show.
2
: to receive or accept (something) with happiness or pleasure
He's a bright student who welcomes a challenge.
We welcome your comments/suggestions. [=we will be glad to receive any comments/suggestions you may have]
I welcome this opportunity [=I am glad to have this opportunity] to explain what really happened.
plural welcomes
: the way in which someone is greeted
He extended a warm welcome to the new family in town. [=he greeted the new family warmly]
He was given a hero's welcome when he returned home after winning the race.
They gave us a cold welcome. [=they did not greet us in a friendly way]
—sometimes used figurativelyHer suggestion was given a cold welcome. [=people did not like her suggestion]
Cite this Entry
“Welcome.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/welcome. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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