a formal party, often with food and drinks, held to celebrate an event such as a wedding or to greet important guests
After the ceremony, the couple invited everyone to their wedding reception by the lake.
The embassy hosted a lavish reception for visiting diplomats.
the area near the entrance of an office, hotel, or other building where visitors are greeted and helped
Please leave your parcel at reception on the ground floor.
There was no one at reception when we arrived late at night.
the way people greet, welcome, or react to someone or something when it arrives or is presented
The villagers gave the visiting doctors a warm reception in the town square.
The new smartphone received a mixed reception from tech reviewers.
✦ From Latin receptiō (“a receiving, reception”), from recipere (“to receive”).
the quality or strength with which radio, television, or mobile phone signals are received
I can’t hear you well because the phone reception is poor in this tunnel.
The new antenna greatly improved television reception.
