# welcome

/ˈwɛɫkəm/ (US) · /wˈɛlkʌm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/welcome
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. to greet an arrival

verb · CEFR A1

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

### 2. to accept gladly

verb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. a greeting or reception

noun · CEFR A2

the way you are greeted when you arrive somewhere.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Often used with adjectives like 'warm', 'cold', or 'enthusiastic'.

### 4. pleasing or wanted

adjective · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. allowed to use

adjective · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Usually followed by the 'to' infinitive.

## Examples

- The hotel staff gave us a warm welcome.
- The new employee received a friendly welcome from the entire team during the morning meeting.
- The community's enthusiastic welcome for the refugees demonstrated a profound commitment to humanitarian values and social integration.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.