welcome

wel-come · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Used to greet someone in a polite or friendly way.

  2. 2.

    Gladly received or admitted.

  3. 3.

    Very pleasing because much needed or desired.

  4. 4.

    To greet someone arriving in a friendly way.

  5. 5.

    To be glad to receive or accept.

  6. 6.

    An act or instance of greeting someone.

Forms

plural: welcomes

Related words

Antonyms: rebuff, rejection
See also: greet, hello, hospitality, invite
Synonyms: greeting, reception

Etymology

From Old English "wilcuma" meaning "a welcome guest," and "wilcumian" meaning "to receive with pleasure." Originally a compound of "willa" (pleasure, desire) and "cuma" (comer, guest). The spelling changed under the influence of "well."