First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1welcome
verb wel·come \ˈwel-kəm\
: to greet (someone) in a warm and friendly manner
: to receive or accept (something) with happiness or pleasure
wel·comedwel·com·ing
Full Definition of WELCOME
transitive verb
1
: to greet hospitably and with courtesy or cordiality
2
: to accept with pleasure the occurrence or presence of <welcomes danger>
— wel·com·er noun
See welcome defined for English-language learners
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Origin of WELCOME
Middle English, from Old English welcumian, wylcumian, from wilcuma, noun
Related to WELCOME
- Synonyms
- drink (in), eat (up), embrace, lap (up)
2welcome
interjection
—used as a friendly greeting to someone who has arrived at a place
Full Definition of WELCOME
—used to express a greeting to a guest or newcomer upon arrival
See welcome defined for English-language learners
See welcome defined for kids
3welcome
adjective
: giving someone happiness or pleasure
—used to say that you are happy to have someone come to and stay in a place (such as your home)
Full Definition of WELCOME
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 — W. M. Thackeray>
4
—used in the phrase “You're welcome” as a reply to an expression of thanks
— wel·come·ly adverb
— wel·come·ness noun
See welcome defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WELCOME
12th century
Related to WELCOME
- Synonyms
- agreeable, blessed (also blest), congenial, darling, delectable, delicious, delightful, delightsome, dreamy, dulcet, enjoyable, felicitous, good, grateful, gratifying, heavenly, jolly, luscious, nice, palatable, pleasing, pleasurable, pretty, satisfying, savory (also savoury), sweet, tasty, pleasant
- Antonyms
- disagreeable, pleasureless, unpalatable, unpleasant, unwelcome
4welcome
noun
: the way in which someone is greeted
Full Definition of WELCOME
1
: a greeting or reception usually upon arrival <a warm welcome>
2
: the state of being welcome <overstayed their welcome>
See welcome defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WELCOME
1525
WELCOMING Defined for Kids
1welcome
verb wel·come \ˈwel-kəm\
wel·comedwel·com·ing
Definition of WELCOME for Kids
1
: to greet with friendship or courtesy
2
: to receive or accept with pleasure <We welcomed the opportunity to travel.>
2welcome
adjective
Definition of WELCOME for Kids
1
: greeted or received gladly <a welcome rain> <Visitors are welcome.>
2
: giving pleasure : pleasing <a welcome sight>
3
: willingly permitted to do, have, or enjoy something <You're welcome to come along.>
4
—used in the phrase "You're welcome" as a reply to an expression of thanks
3welcome
noun
Definition of WELCOME for Kids
: a friendly greeting
Learn More About WELCOME
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