receptionist
rih-SEHP-shuh-nihst
Receptionist (noun) means a person whose job is to greet visitors and answer calls at an office, hotel, or similar business. Example: “The receptionist asked us to sign in before the meeting.”
noun
1
A person whose job is to greet visitors and answer calls at an office, hotel, or similar business.
"The receptionist asked us to sign in before the meeting."
How to use receptionist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe person at the front desk who greets visitors and handles calls.
Common pairings
front-desk receptionist
medical receptionist
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Word forms
- Plural
- receptionists
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ asked us to sign in before the meeting.
Etymology
Recorded since 1901, formed from reception plus -ist.
Class of 1901
receptionist joined the language around 1901.
See the full Class of 1901 →
Rhymes for receptionist
Zionist
arsonist
antagonist
cartoonist
saxophonist
protagonist
illusionist
tobacconist
abolitionist
nutritionist
exhibitionist
perfectionist
See all rhymes for receptionist →
Frequently asked questions
What does “receptionist” mean?
The word “receptionist” means a person whose job is to greet visitors and answer calls at an office, hotel, or similar business. In plain terms, the person at the front desk who greets visitors and handles calls.
How do you pronounce “receptionist”?
“Receptionist” is pronounced rih-SEHP-shuh-nihst (/ɹɪˈsɛp.ʃə.nɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “receptionist” in a sentence?
Here is “receptionist” used in a sentence: “The receptionist asked us to sign in before the meeting.”
What part of speech is “receptionist”?
“Receptionist” is a noun.
Where does the word “receptionist” come from?
The word “receptionist” dates back to around 1901. Recorded since 1901, formed from reception plus -ist.
Is “receptionist” a common word?
“Receptionist” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
