1 [count] : the kind of welcome that someone or something is given — usually singular ▪ The performers did not get the warm reception they had hoped for. ▪ His suggestion was given a cool reception. [=people were not enthusiastic about his suggestion] 2 [count] : a social gathering to celebrate something or to welcome someone
▪ The school held a reception for the new students and their families. ▪ a wedding reception 3 [noncount] : the act or process of receiving, welcoming, or accepting something or someone
▪ He decided to run for a seat on the school committee only a year after his reception into the community. ▪ Her job is to deal with the reception of donations. 4 [noncount] — used to describe how well or badly a radio, television, etc., is able to receive signals ▪ Our TV gets poor reception because of all the trees around the house. ▪ My cell phone reception is terrible. 5 [noncount] : a desk or area in a hotel, office building, etc., where visitors first go after entering
▪ Check in at reception when you arrive. = Check in at the reception desk when you arrive. ▪ I waited in the reception area. [=lobby] 6 [count] American football : the act of catching a forward pass
▪ He had three receptions [=he caught three passes] in today's game.