welcome

1 verb (T)

1 to say hello in a friendly way to someone who has just arrived: The Queen welcomed the President as he got off the plane.

2 to accept an idea, suggestion etc happily: Henri doesn't welcome intrusions into his privacy. | The college welcomes applications from people of all races.

3 welcome sb/sth with open arms

a) to be very glad that someone has come

b) to be very happy to accept something

2 adjective

1 someone who is welcome is gladly accepted in a place: I had the feeling I wasn't really welcome. | make sb welcome (=make someone feel that you are pleased they have come)

2 something that is welcome is pleasant and enjoyable, especially because it is just what you need or want: a welcome break from the pressures of work | A cup of tea would be very welcome.

3 be welcome to spoken used to say that someone can have something if they want it, because you certainly do not want it: If Rob wants that job he's welcome to it!

4 be welcome to do sth spoken used to invite someone to do something if they would like to: You're welcome to stay for lunch.

5 you're welcome! spoken, especially AmE a polite way of replying to someone who has just thanked you for something: “Thanks for the coffee.” “You're welcome.”

3 noun (C)

1 a greeting you give to someone when they arrive: Mandela got a tremendous welcome at the airport. | extend a welcome to formal (=welcome someone)

2 give sb/sth a warm welcome

a) to welcome someone in a very friendly way

b) to gladly accept an idea, suggestion etc

3 outstay/overstay your welcome to stay at someone's house longer than they want you to

4 interjection

1 an expression of greeting to a guest or someone who has just arrived

(+ to): Welcome to London! | Welcome back - it's good to see you again. | welcome home (=used when someone has been away and returns home)

2 welcome to the club spoken used to make someone feel better when they are in a bad situation, by telling them you are already in that situation