Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - welcome

~1 v 1 to say hello in a friendly way to someone who has just arrived  (The Queen welcomed the President as he got off the plane.) 2 to accept an idea, suggestion etc happily  (Henri doesn't welcome intrusions into his privacy. | The college welcomes applications from people of all races.) 3 welcome sb/sth with open arms a) to be very glad that someone has come b) to be very happy to accept something ~2 adj 1 someone who is welcome is gladly accepted in a place  (I had the feeling I wasn't really welcome. | make sb welcome (=make someone feel that you are pleased they have come)) 2 something that is welcome is pleasant and enjoyable, especially because it is just what you need or want  (a welcome break from the pressures of work | A cup of tea would be very welcome.) 3 be welcome to spoken used to say that someone can have something if they want it, because you certainly do not want it  (If Rob wants that job he's welcome to it!) 4 be welcome to do sth spoken used to invite someone to do something if they would like to  (You're welcome to stay for lunch.) 5 you're welcome! spoken, especially AmE a polite way of replying to someone who has just thanked you for something  ("Thanks for the coffee." "You're welcome.") ~3 n 1 a greeting you give to someone when they arrive  (Mandela got a tremendous welcome at the airport. | extend a welcome to formal (=welcome someone)) 2 give sb/sth a warm welcome a) to welcome someone in a very friendly way b) to gladly accept an idea, suggestion etc 3 outstay/overstay your welcome to stay at someone's house longer than they want you to ~4 interjection 1 an expression of greeting to a guest or someone who has just arrived  (Welcome to London! | Welcome back - it's good to see you again.) welcome home (=used when someone has been away and returns home) 2 welcome to the club spoken used to make someone feel better when they are in a bad situation, by telling them you are already in that situation