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
At a wedding reception, investment banker Harry (Pascal) sidles up to her at the singles table.
—
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 13 June 2025
Isaacman will speak during Saturday's dinner reception.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 13 June 2025
While its rich marble ensuite is virtually the size of a stateroom itself—with a deep soaking tub, a walk-in rainfall shower, and a nifty sliding door (cutting the bathroom in half) perfect for offering a private guest bathroom when hosting sunset soirees or champagne receptions.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Bar and bat mitzvahs have become known for their large celebrations after the religious service, but this group of women decided on a smaller reception.
—Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reception
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Brian Truitt, USA Today, 13 June 2025
Isaacman will speak during Saturday's dinner reception.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 13 June 2025
While its rich marble ensuite is virtually the size of a stateroom itself—with a deep soaking tub, a walk-in rainfall shower, and a nifty sliding door (cutting the bathroom in half) perfect for offering a private guest bathroom when hosting sunset soirees or champagne receptions.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Bar and bat mitzvahs have become known for their large celebrations after the religious service, but this group of women decided on a smaller reception.
—Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reception
Cite this Entry
“Reception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reception. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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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