n.
Function: adjective
Date: 12th century
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 ― W. M. Thackeray>
4 ― used in the phrase “ You're welcome ” as a reply to an expression of thanks
– wel · come · ly adverb
– wel · come · ness noun