welcome

1 of 4

verb

wel·​come ˈwel-kəm How to pronounce welcome (audio)
welcomed; welcoming
Synonyms 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
welcomer noun

welcome

2 of 4

interjection

—used to express a greeting to a guest or newcomer upon arrival

welcome

3 of 4

adjective

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 …—William Thackeray
4
—used in the phrase you're welcome as a reply to an expression of thanks
welcomely adverb
welcomeness noun

welcome

4 of 4

noun

1
: a greeting or reception usually upon arrival
a warm welcome
2
: the state of being welcome
overstayed their welcome
see also:
hero's welcome

Synonyms of welcome

Relevance

Verb

Adjective

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of welcome in a Sentence

Verb She welcomed the students into her home. We welcome you to the show. He's a bright student who welcomes a challenge. Adjective That will be a welcome change. He was a welcome sight. Noun He was given a hero's welcome when he returned home after winning the race. offered a warm welcome to the stranger
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
There is also the argument that at a time when there is more competition than ever to win eyeballs, anything which drives attention to the sport beyond athletics aficionados is to be welcomed. — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026 We were thoroughly welcomed and are so happy to have gotten acquainted with such fine folks. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Interjection
To the Japanese, Dutch, Swiss, English, Danish, French, Aussie, Argentine, Jordanian, Kiwi and the rest of our brothers and sisters who have drained their bank accounts who plan to watch the 2026 World Cup here in DFW, welcome — please have your credit card and three-digit PIN ready. — Mac Engel june 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026 He was announced as the host for WrestleMania 42 and appeared in Las Vegas to announce the attendance, welcome Bianca Belair for her pregnancy revelation and had a segment with Danhausen, The Miz and Kit Wilson. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
Adjective
Both Silas and Sandy stressed that all American service veterans were welcome. — Gregory Harutunian, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Best of luck, new coach Todd Monken and welcome to Cleveland, which also traded away best player Myles Garrett. — Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
He was greeted with a friendly welcome by fans, as multiple people stopped to shake his hand and take pictures with him. — Jackson Thompson , Patricia Babcock McGraw Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Delta and American Express have introduced new limited-time welcome bonuses for the top Delta SkyMiles credit cards. — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for welcome

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English welcumian, wylcumian, from wilcuma, noun

Interjection

Middle English, alteration of wilcume, from Old English, from wilcuma desirable guest (akin to Old High German willicomo desirable guest); akin to Old English willa, will desire, cuman to come — more at will, come

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Interjection

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of welcome was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing welcome

Rhymes for welcome

See All Rhymes for welcome

Browse Nearby Words

welch plug
welcome
welcome home
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Welcome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/welcome. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

welcome

1 of 4 interjection
wel·​come ˈwel-kəm How to pronounce welcome (audio)
—used to greet a guest or newcomer upon arrival

welcome

2 of 4 verb
welcomed; welcoming
1
: to greet in a warm and friendly manner
2
: to receive or accept with pleasure
welcomes a challenge
welcomer noun

welcome

3 of 4 adjective
1
: received gladly
a welcome visitor
2
: giving pleasure : pleasing
welcome news
3
: willingly permitted to do, have, or enjoy something
anyone is welcome to use the pool
4
—used in the phrase "You're welcome" as a reply to an expression of thanks

welcome

4 of 4 noun
: a friendly greeting or reception
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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