Welcome
/ˈwɛlkəm/noun
A greeting or reception to someone arriving.
Did you know?The word 'welcome' was originally a wish for good fortune upon a visitor, blending notions of joy and destiny in its ancient use.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
welkō
“to be in a state of happiness or well-being.”
Old English
OE
wilcuma
“a person whose arrival is pleasing; a welcome guest.”
Middle English
ME
wilcome
“to be willingly received; joyfully accepted.”
14th Century
Middle English
welcume
“to gladly receive; to wish well to a visitor.”
Modern English
English
welcome
“a hospitable greeting or reception for someone arriving.”