English Reference

Word

welcome

Phoneticswel·come, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈwɛɫkəm/

UK/wˈɛlkʌm/

Definitions

01to greet an arrival

A1 · Beginner

v. to greet someone in a friendly way when they arrive at a place.

v. to greet the arrival of a person with courtesy or cordiality.

“The hotel staff welcomed us with a cold drink and a smile.”

“The mayor personally welcomed the visiting delegates at the airport, emphasizing the importance of their partnership.”

Synonyms

02to accept gladly

B1 · Intermediate

v. to be happy to receive or accept a new idea, change, or gift.

v. to accept or receive something with pleasure or approval.

“The local residents welcomed the news that a new park would be built.”

“Economists generally welcomed the central bank's decision to lower interest rates, citing it as a necessary move for growth.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

03a greeting or reception

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. the way you are greeted when you arrive somewhere.

n. the act of greeting someone's arrival or the kind of reception they receive.

“The fans gave the team a warm welcome when they returned home.”

“Despite the initial controversy, the artist received a surprisingly enthusiastic welcome from the local community.”

04pleasing or wanted

A2 · Elementary

adj. describing someone or something that you are happy to see or have.

adj. received with gladness or producing a sense of pleasure.

“A cool breeze was very welcome on such a hot afternoon.”

“The extra funding was a welcome relief for the charity, which had been struggling to meet its monthly targets.”

05allowed to use

B1 · Intermediate

adj. you use this to say someone is free to use or have something.

adj. permitted or invited to use or enjoy something without payment or obligation.

“You are welcome to stay in our guest room for as long as you need.”

“Visitors are welcome to browse the archives, provided they make an appointment with the librarian in advance.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage

Often used with adjectives like 'warm', 'cold', or 'friendly' to describe the quality of the reception.

Idioms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/welcome

English Reference