What does welcome mean?
Welcome is a versatile word used as a noun, verb, adjective, and greeting. As a noun, it means a friendly greeting or the act of receiving someone with warmth and hospitality; as a verb, it means to greet someone gladly or to accept an offer, proposal, or opportunity with approval. As an adjective, a welcome development is one that is welcomed or regarded as beneficial, while “welcome home” expresses delight at someone's arrival. Spoken on its own, “Welcome!” is an enthusiastic greeting often used by hosts, staff, and speakers. The word generally carries positive connotations of hospitality, acceptance, and goodwill, although it can also mean “freely permitted,” as in “You are welcome to use the library.” Formal writing commonly prefers “you are welcome” in reply to an apology, whereas the contracted “you're welcome” is more conversational. Both British and American English use the word broadly in these senses.
A friendly greeting, reception, or expression of goodwill toward someone.
"The guests received a warm welcome at the community centre."
The noun is countable and can refer to an individual greeting, an act of reception, or the general warmth with which people are treated.
To greet someone with friendliness or pleasure; to accept or approve something readily.
"The committee welcomed the proposal and invited further discussion."
The verb can also mean to receive or accept something, especially an offer, proposal, or opportunity.
Received with pleasure or regarded as beneficial, desirable, or suitable.
"The extra funding was a welcome development for the programme."
The construction “welcome to” can additionally express permission to enter or participate.
An enthusiastic greeting used to express pleasure at someone's arrival or presence.
"Welcome! We're delighted to have you here."
The interjection is common in both spoken conversation and public announcements.
The noun is generally countable when it means a greeting or act of reception; the plural refers to separate expressions or instances of welcome.
"The team received warm welcomes in every city."
Before “welcome” described a feeling, it was a compound built from ideas of “pleasure” and “come.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of welcome
Welcome traces to Old English wilcuma, a noun meaning “a welcome,” formed from wil (“pleasure, will”) and cuma (“come”). The modern form developed through Middle English, with its spelling becoming aligned with the familiar elements well and come. Cognates include Old High German wilkuma and Old Norse velkominn, while willing reflects the related Germanic root represented by wil.
Related word forms
How welcome is actually used
“Welcome” is widely used in formal, informal, and professional contexts. As a response to an apology, “you are welcome” sounds more formal than “you're welcome.” The expression “welcome to” can indicate either a warm greeting or permission to enter or participate.