welcome

Noun · Verb · Adjective
Synonyms: receive

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. the state of being welcome“don't outstay your welcome”
  2. a greeting or reception“the proposal got a warm welcome”

Verb (3)

  1. accept gladly“I welcome your proposals”
  2. bid welcome to; greet upon arrivalSynonyms: receive
  3. receive someone, as into one's house

Adjective (1)

  1. giving pleasure or satisfaction or received with pleasure or freely granted“a welcome relief”“a welcome guest”“made the children feel welcome”“you are welcome to join us”
Advertisement

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Welcome \Wel"come\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Welcomed; p. pr. & vb. n. Welcoming.] [AS. wilcumian.] To salute with kindness, as a newcomer; to receive and entertain hospitably and cheerfully; as, to welcome a visitor; to welcome a new idea. "I welcome you to land." --Addison. [1913 Webster]

Thus we salute thee with our early song, And welcome thee, and wish thee long. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Welcome \Wel"come\, a. [OE. welcome, welcume, wilcume, AS. wilcuma a welcome guest, from wil-, as a prefix, akin to willa will + cuma a comer, fr. cuman to come; hence, properly, one who comes so as to please another's will; cf. Icel. velkominn welcome, G. willkommen. See Will, n., and Come.] [1913 Webster]

1.Received with gladness; admitted willingly to the house, entertainment, or company; as, a welcome visitor. [1913 Webster]

When the glad soul is made Heaven's welcome guest.— Cowper.[1913 Webster]

2.Producing gladness; grateful; as, a welcome present; welcome news. "O, welcome hour!" --Milton. [1913 Webster]

3.Free to have or enjoy gratuitously; as, you are welcome to the use of my library. [1913 Webster]

Note: Welcome is used elliptically for you are welcome. "Welcome, great monarch, to your own." --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

Welcome-to-our-house (Bot.), a kind of spurge (Euphorbia Cyparissias). --Dr. Prior. [1913 Webster]

Welcome \Wel"come\, n. [1913 Webster]

1.Salutation to a newcomer. "Welcome ever smiles." --Shak. [1913 Webster]

2.Kind reception of a guest or newcomer; as, we entered the house and found a ready welcome. [1913 Webster]

His warmest welcome at an inn.— Shenstone.[1913 Webster]
Truth finds an entrance and a welcome too.— South.[1913 Webster]

To bid welcome, to receive with professions of kindness. [1913 Webster]

To thee and thy company I bid A hearty welcome.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
Advertisement