welcome Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the state of being welcome
    • don't outstay your welcome
  2. noun a greeting or reception
    • the proposal got a warm welcome
  3. verb accept gladly
    • I welcome your proposals
  4. verb bid welcome to; greet upon arrival
    receive.
  5. verb receive someone, as into one's house
  6. adjective 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

WordNet

Wel"come adjective
Etymology
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.
Definitions
  1. Received with gladness; admitted willingly to the house, entertainment, or company; as, a welcome visitor.
    When the glad soul is made Heaven's welcome guest. Cowper.
  2. Producing gladness; grateful; as, a welcome present; welcome news. "O, welcome hour!" Milton.
  3. Free to have or enjoy gratuitously; as, you are welcome to the use of my library. ✍ Welcome is used elliptically for you are welcome. "Welcome, great monarch, to your own." Dryden. Dr. Prior.
Wel"come noun
Definitions
  1. Salutation to a newcomer. "Welcome ever smiles." Shak.
  2. Kind reception of a guest or newcomer; as, we entered the house and found a ready welcome.
    His warmest welcome at an inn. Shenstone.
    Truth finds an entrance and a welcome too. South.
    To thee and thy company I bid A hearty welcome. Shak.
Wel"come transitive verb
Etymology
AS. wilcumian.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Welcomed ; present participle & verbal noun Welcoming
Definitions
  1. 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.
    Thus we salute thee with our early song, And welcome thee, and wish thee long. Milton.

Webster 1913