adjective

1. gladly and cordially received a welcome guest
2. agreeable or gratifying welcome news
3. freely and willingly permitted or invited welcome to use the library

Etymology: ME welcume, altered by assoc. with wel, well (as if transl. of OFr bien venu) < wilcume < OE wilcuma, orig. n., a welcome guest < willa, pleasure, will + cuma, guest < cuman, to come

noun

interjection

transitive verb welcomed -·comed, welcoming -·com·ing

1. to greet with pleasure and hospitality
2. to receive or accept with pleasure or satisfaction to welcome criticism
3. to meet, receive, or acknowledge in a specified way; greet