reception
noun
re·cep·tion
ri-ˈsep-shən 
1
2
: a social gathering often for the purpose of extending a formal welcome
Did you know?
Reception is the noun form of receive. So at a formal reception, guests are received or welcomed or "taken in". A bad TV reception means the signal isn't being received well. When a new novel receives good reviews, we say it has met with a good critical reception. If it gets a poor reception, on the other hand, that's the same as saying that it wasn't well-received.
Examples of reception in a Sentence
The school held a reception for the new students and their families.
He decided to run for a seat on the school committee only a year after his reception into the community.
Her job is to deal with the reception of donations.
Recent Examples on the Web
Her life-changing experience and her reception of whole blood, thanks to the team who saved her, has changed her relationship with blood donation forever.
—
Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 19 May 2026
The two leaders will meet again in the evening for a gala reception in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 19 May 2026
The couple then boarded an E-Type Jaguar car to drive to their reception.
—Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
Among the photos are shots of Harry delivering a toast, Elton John performing, Harry and Meghan sharing quiet moments together and the couple hitting the dance floor at their evening reception.
—ABC News, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for reception
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Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 19 May 2026
The two leaders will meet again in the evening for a gala reception in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 19 May 2026
The couple then boarded an E-Type Jaguar car to drive to their reception.
—Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
Among the photos are shots of Harry delivering a toast, Elton John performing, Harry and Meghan sharing quiet moments together and the couple hitting the dance floor at their evening reception.
—ABC News, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for reception
Cite this Entry
“Reception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reception. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reception
noun
re·cep·tion
ri-ˈsep-shən
1
: the act or process of receiving, welcoming, or accepting
a warm reception
2
: the receiving of a radio or television broadcast
3
: a social gathering
a wedding reception
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