VocabularyBasePractice words

Meaning & use

welcoming

adjective, verb·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈwelkəmɪŋ/
US/ˈwelkəmɪŋ/

“welcoming” is a form of “welcome”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparableapproving

    Friendly and kind toward newcomers, making them feel comfortable and accepted.

    Grammar: Can follow a linking verb or come before a noun: a welcoming smile; the staff were welcoming.

    Patterns

    • welcoming to someone
    • a welcoming place

    The neighbors were warm and welcoming when we moved in.

    She gave us a welcoming smile at the door.

    The school has a welcoming atmosphere for new students.

  2. adjectivecomparableapproving

    Inviting and pleasant to be in, because it looks or feels comfortable.

    Grammar: Describes places or things: a welcoming fire.

    Patterns

    • a welcoming glow
    • look welcoming

    After the long walk, the welcoming lights of the inn were a relief.

    The room felt bright and welcoming.

    A crackling fire made the cabin welcoming.

  3. verbtransitive

    Present participle of welcome: greeting someone with pleasure or accepting something gladly.

    Grammar: Takes an object: welcoming guests.

    Patterns

    • welcoming someone to something
    • welcoming something

    The hosts are welcoming guests at the entrance.

    We are welcoming new members to the club tonight.

    The mayor is welcoming the decision.

Word forms

comparativemore welcoming
superlativemost welcoming

Common combinations

warm and welcoming
The hotel staff were warm and welcoming.
a welcoming smile
She greeted us with a welcoming smile.
welcoming atmosphere
The cafe has a welcoming atmosphere.
welcoming to newcomers
The town is very welcoming to newcomers.
welcoming committee
A welcoming committee met the team at the airport.

Synonyms and how they differ

friendly
Friendly is wider and can describe anyone kind, while welcoming is about how you treat arrivals.
hospitable
Hospitable is more formal and stresses generosity toward guests.
inviting
Inviting works well for places and things that tempt you to enter.
cordial
Cordial is polite and warm but more formal and slightly reserved.

Opposites

unwelcominghostilecold

Word family

welcome verb
to greet or accept gladly
welcome noun
a greeting given to arrivals
welcome adjective
gladly received
unwelcoming adjective
not friendly or inviting
welcomingly adverb
in a welcoming way

Commonly confused: welcoming or welcomed?

welcoming vs welcomed

Welcomed is the past form of the verb, while welcoming describes a quality of a person or place.

Practice

The village was so ____ that we felt at home on our first evening.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “welcoming”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.

Explore more words