receptionist

noun

re·​cep·​tion·​ist ri-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce receptionist (audio)
: a person employed to greet telephone callers, visitors, patients, or clients

Examples of receptionist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Snow will play the character Marybeth, an unassuming receptionist at the husband’s company. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026 She’s been living paycheck to paycheck, working during the day as a receptionist at a local services agency and studying on the side to restart her nursing career. — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 Lindhome, who did only three but memorable guest appearances on Big Bang as Ramona Nowitzkis, an obsessive CalTech graduate student, plays a version of the same character who is now a receptionist from hell at her alma mater. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 July 2026 Every customer interaction -- whether handled by an AI receptionist, chatbot, or human agent -- should obviously demonstrate both. — Tomas Gorny, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for receptionist

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of receptionist was in 1901

Browse Nearby Words

receptionism
receptionist
reception room
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Receptionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptionist. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

receptionist

noun
re·​cep·​tion·​ist ri-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nəst How to pronounce receptionist (audio)
: an office employee who greets callers, answers questions, and arranges appointments

More from Merriam-Webster on receptionist

Nglish: Translation of receptionist for Spanish Speakers

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