welcome

 
Pronunciation: /ˈwɛlkəm/

noun

  • an instance or manner of greeting someone: you will receive a warm welcome [mass noun]: he went to meet them with his hand stretched out in welcome
  • a pleased or approving reaction: the announcement received an immediate welcome from childcare agencies

exclamation

  • used to greet someone in a polite or friendly way: welcome to the Wildlife Park

verb

[with object]
  • greet (someone arriving) in a polite or friendly way: hotels should welcome guests in their own language (as adjective welcoming) a welcoming smile
  • be glad to entertain (someone) or receive (something): we welcome any comments
  • react with pleasure or approval to (an event or development): the bank’s decision to cut its rates was widely welcomed

adjective

  • 1(of a guest or new arrival) gladly received: I’m pleased to see you, lad—you’re welcome
  • 2very pleasing because much needed or desired: after your walk, the tea room serves a welcome cuppa the news will be most welcome to those whose jobs will now be safeguarded
  • 3 [predic., with infinitive] allowed or invited to do a specified thing: we arrange a framework of activities which you are welcome to join
  • (welcome to) used to indicate relief at relinquishing the control or possession of something to someone else: the job is all yours and you’re welcome to it!

Phrases

make someone welcome

receive and treat someone hospitably: thank you for the way you made me welcome when I arrived

outstay (or overstay) one's welcome

stay as a visitor longer than one is wanted: he makes you feel you’ve outstayed your welcome before you’ve even sat down

you are welcome

used as a polite response to thanks: ‘Thank you for your help.’ ‘You’re welcome.’

Derivatives

welcomely

adverb

welcomeness

noun

welcomer

noun

welcomingly

adverb

Origin:

Old English wilcuma 'a person whose coming is pleasing', wilcumian (verb), from wil- 'desire, pleasure' + cuman 'come'. The first element was later changed to wel- 'well', influenced by Old French bien venu or Old Norse velkominn