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

The two kept it casual while attending the 1999 Oscar Moore Screenwriting Prize Awards at Planet Hollywood in London not long before welcoming their daughter Gaia later that year. —Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026

The Detroit Zoo welcomed a new giraffe, Nguvu, to the herd, officials announced on Wednesday. —Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 14 May 2026

Interjection

He was announced as the host for WrestleMania 42 and appeared in Las Vegas to announce the attendance, welcome Bianca Belair for her pregnancy revelation and had a segment with Danhausen, The Miz and Kit Wilson. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026

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

Adjective

Trump’s meetings with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, began at the Great Hall of the People moments after a welcome ceremony that seemed to impress the president, featuring a Chinese military honor guard and a greeting from excited schoolchildren. —Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026

You might not be tempted to jump in during the peak summer months, but this would be a welcome indulgence when cooler temps set in. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 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