English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
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noun

reception

rih-SEHP-shn
noun
1
A formal social event, often to welcome or honor someone.
"They held a wedding reception at the hotel ballroom."
2
The desk or area where visitors are greeted in a business or hotel.
"Please check in at reception when you arrive."
3
The quality of a received broadcast signal.
"Cell phone reception is poor in the mountains."
4
The way something is responded to or welcomed by others.
"The album got a mixed reception from critics."

How to Use Reception

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA welcome event, a front desk, a signal, or how something is received/reviewed.

UK vs US

In UK schools, "Reception" is also the name for the first year of primary school, before Year 1.

Common pairings
wedding reception poor reception a warm reception

Word Forms

receptions plural

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They held a wedding _____ at the hotel ballroom.

Etymology

From Latin receptio ("act of receiving"), from recipio ("receive").

Rhymes for reception

See all rhymes for reception →
Definitions: FreeDict original editorial