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 Hunter Abrams shares his journey from Long Island receptionist to a returning fashion photographer on the steps of the Met Gala in our latest episode of Career Secrets. Eoghan O'Donnell, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2024 What about how the minimalist pioneer Sol LeWitt worked as a receptionist at New York’s Museum of Modern Art while Dan Flavin ran the elevator? John Wogan Juliet Izon Gisela Williams Lindsey Tramuta Julia Halperin Jameson Montgomery, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 By 2016, Luna was working as a receptionist for the Palm Springs office of Alpha Media, a multimedia company that owns and operates radio stations across the country. Sarah Quiñones Wolfson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2024 Answers are across the board, from receptionist, cleaning crew and clerical support to customer service, production and accounting roles. Sherre Demao, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 When Andrea Montañez visited her Orlando-area cardiologist two years ago to treat her abnormally fast heart rate, the receptionists and nurses often misgendered her. Danielle McLean, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2024 From the receptionist to the therapists, everyone is trained not just in clinical practices but in the art of empathy and compassion. Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2023 Jenna Fischer played receptionist Pam Beesly on all nine seasons of the memorable NBC series. Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 9 Jan. 2024 Stevens even got Anna Wintour on board to relay the cultural impact of Posh ‘n’ Becks (as they were nicknamed by the British tabloids) in the mid-2000s, as well as Kath Phipps, a former receptionist at Beckham’s first soccer club Manchester United, who is undoubtedly the doc’s breakout star. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 4 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'receptionist.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of receptionist was in 1901

Dictionary Entries Near receptionist

Cite this Entry

“Receptionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptionist. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!