I. wel ‧ come 1 S2 W2 /ˈwelkəm/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[ Word Family: adjective : ↑ welcome ≠ ↑ unwelcome , ↑ welcoming ; verb : ↑ welcome ; noun : ↑ welcome ]
1 . to say hello in a friendly way to someone who has just arrived SYN greet :
I must be there to welcome my guests.
They welcomed us warmly.
His family welcomed me with open arms (=in a very friendly way) .
2 . to be glad to accept something:
The college welcomes applications from people of all races.
We would welcome any advice or suggestions with open arms.
3 . to be glad that something has happened because you think it is a good idea:
Economists have welcomed the decision to raise interest rates.
II. welcome 2 S2 W3 BrE AmE adjective
[ Word Family: adjective : ↑ welcome ≠ ↑ unwelcome , ↑ welcoming ; verb : ↑ welcome ; noun : ↑ welcome ]
1 . if someone is welcome in a place, other people are glad that they are there:
I had the feeling I wasn’t really welcome.
I didn’t feel welcome in the club.
Mary made us very welcome.
We try to make the new students feel welcome.
2 . if something is welcome, you enjoy it because you feel that you need it:
The weekend was a welcome break from the pressures of work.
Six months in Scotland would make a welcome change from London.
A cup of tea would be very welcome.
3 . if something is welcome, you are glad that it has happened:
The increase in interest rates is welcome news for investors.
This new funding will come as a welcome boost for the industry.
4 . be welcome to something spoken used to say that someone can have something if they want it, because you certainly do not want it:
If you want to take the job you’re welcome to it!
5 . be welcome to do something spoken used to invite someone to do something if they would like to:
You’re welcome to stay for lunch.
6 . you’re welcome! spoken a polite way of replying to someone who has just thanked you for something:
‘Thanks for the coffee.’ ‘You’re welcome.’
III. welcome 3 BrE AmE noun [singular]
[ Word Family: adjective : ↑ welcome ≠ ↑ unwelcome , ↑ welcoming ; verb : ↑ welcome ; noun : ↑ welcome ]
1 . the way in which you greet someone when they arrive at a place
warm/friendly welcome
His colleagues gave him a very warm welcome when he returned to work.
You can be sure of a friendly welcome at all our hotels.
The president got a tremendous welcome at the airport.
2 . the way in which people react to an idea, and show that they like it or do not like it:
Politicians have given an enthusiastic welcome to the Queen’s speech.
The proposals have so far received a cautious welcome from government ministers.
3 . outstay/overstay your welcome to stay at someone’s house longer than they want you to
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ a warm/friendly welcome
You can be sure of a warm welcome.
▪ a big welcome
They had planned a big welcome for Martin.
▪ a great welcome (=a big or good welcome)
Visitors were given a great welcome.
▪ a rapturous welcome (=a very pleased and excited one)
He returned to his homeland to a rapturous welcome in 1996
▪ a tumultuous welcome (=a very noisy one from a crowd)
The Pope received a tumultuous welcome.
▪ a rousing welcome (=a noisy welcome that shows approval)
The audience gave the band a rousing welcome.
▪ a hearty welcome (=a happy and sincere welcome)
The owner offers a hearty welcome to guests.
■ verbs
▪ give somebody a welcome
The Queen was given a decent welcome by the crowd.
▪ get/receive a welcome
He received a warm welcome.
▪ extend/accord somebody a welcome formal (=give someone a welcome)
Staff and students extended a warm welcome to visiting parents.
■ phrases
▪ a smile of welcome
His wrinkled face broke into a smile of welcome.
▪ a speech of welcome
The Mayor made a brief speech of welcome.
IV. welcome 4 BrE AmE interjection
[ Language: Old English ; Origin: wilcume , from wilcuma 'person you are glad to have as a guest' , from willa ( ⇨ ↑ will 2 ) + cuma 'someone who comes' ; influenced by well ]
used to greet someone who has just arrived
welcome to
Welcome to London!
Welcome back – it’s good to see you again.
Hello, welcome home.