/ ˈwelkəm; NAmE / verb , adjective , noun , exclamation
■ verb
1.
welcome sb (to sth) to say hello to sb in a friendly way when they arrive somewhere :
[ vn ]
They were at the door to welcome us.
It is a pleasure to welcome you to our home.
[ v ]
a welcoming smile
2.
[ vn ] to be pleased that sb has come or has joined an organization, activity, etc. :
They welcomed the new volunteers with open arms (= with enthusiasm) .
3.
[ vn ] to be pleased to receive or accept sth :
I'd welcome any suggestions.
I warmly welcome this decision.
In general, the changes they had made were to be welcomed.
■ adjective
1.
that you are pleased to have, receive, etc. :
a welcome sight
Your letter was very welcome.
The fine weather made a welcome change .
2.
( of people ) accepted or wanted somewhere :
Children are always welcome at the hotel.
Our neighbours made us welcome as soon as we arrived.
I had the feeling we were not welcome at the meeting.
3.
welcome to do sth ( informal ) used to say that you are happy for sb to do sth if they want to :
They're welcome to stay here as long as they like.
4.
welcome to sth ( informal ) used to say that you are very happy for sb to have sth because you definitely do not want it :
It's an awful job. If you want it, you're welcome to it !
•
IDIOMS
- you're welcome
■ noun
1.
[ C , U ] something that you do or say to sb when they arrive, especially sth that makes them feel you are happy to see them :
Thank you for your warm welcome .
The winners were given an enthusiastic welcome when they arrived home.
a speech / smile of welcome
to receive a hero's welcome
2.
[ C ] the way that people react to sth, which shows their opinion of it :
This new comedy deserves a warm welcome .
The proposals were given a cautious welcome by the trade unions.
•
IDIOMS
- outstay / overstay your welcome
■ exclamation
used as a greeting to tell sb that you are pleased that they are there :
Welcome home!
Welcome to Oxford!
Good evening everybody. Welcome to the show!
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English wilcuma a person whose coming is pleasing , wilcumian (verb), from wil- desire, pleasure + cuman come . The first element was later changed to wel- well , influenced by Old French bien venu or Old Norse velkominn .