Receptionist

Origin

Recorded since 1901, derived from reception (itself from Latin receptiō ("the act of receiving; reception"), from receptus, the perfect passive participle of recipiō ("receive")) + -ist.

Full definition of receptionist

Noun

1. An employee who receives visitors and/or calls, typically in an office setting.
2. A secretary whose tasks prominently include the above.

Related terms

• receipt
• receive
• receptacle
• receptive
• receptor