a greeting or reception on arrival or first appearancethe hospitable treatment that a guest may expect They had outstayed their welcome [alteration, influenced by well1, of Old English wilcuma desirable guest, from wīl desire, pleasure + cuman to come]
received gladly into one's presence or companionship I was always welcome in their homegiving pleasure; received with gladness, esp because fulfilling a need a welcome relief(+ to) willingly permitted or given the right to do or have something You're welcome to read it He's welcome to my share you're welcome used as a reply to an expression of thankswelcomely advwelcomeness noun
to greet (somebody) hospitably and with courtesyto greet or receive (somebody) in the specified, esp unpleasant, way They welcomed the intruder with a hail of bulletsto receive or accept (something) with pleasure He welcomes danger welcome with open arms to greet or accept (somebody or something) with great cordiality or pleasurewelcomer nounwelcoming noun and adj