Reception is the act of receiving something or someone, or the way that something is received. When you walk into a hotel, the reception desk is where staff members receive and welcome you. At a wedding reception, guests are received and entertained after the ceremony, usually with food, music, and celebration.

The word also describes how people respond to something new. When a movie gets a warm reception, audiences enjoy it and respond positively. A book might receive a mixed reception if some readers love it while others don't. A new student might get a friendly reception from classmates, or a shy reception if everyone seems uncertain. The reception tells you how people feel about what they're experiencing.

In another sense, reception means picking up signals. A radio receives broadcasts, and when the reception is good, you hear the music clearly. When reception is poor, the signal breaks up into static. Your phone needs good reception to work properly. If you've ever heard someone say “Can you hear me now?” while moving around, they're trying to find better reception.