1 [mass noun] the action or process of receiving something sent, given, or inflicted:sensation is not the passive reception of stimuli
[count noun] the way in which a person or group of people reacts to someone or something:the election budget got a stony reception in the City
the process of receiving broadcast signals:a microchip that will allow parents to block reception of violent programmes
the quality of broadcast signals received:I had to put up with poor radio reception
American Football an act of catching a pass:his 49 receptions included six touchdowns
2 [mass noun] the action of admitting someone to a place, group, or institution or the process of being admitted:their reception into the Church
the formal or ceremonious welcoming of a guest:his reception by the Prime Minister
[count noun] a formal social occasion held to welcome someone or to celebrate an event:a wedding reception
3chiefly British the area in a hotel or organization where guests and visitors are greeted and dealt with:wait for me downstairs in reception [as modifier]:the reception desk
4 [usually as modifier]British the first class in an infant school:the reception class
