Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - reception

(receptions) 1. The reception in a hotel is the desk or office that books rooms for people and answers their questions. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use front desk) Have him bring a car round to the reception... ...the hotel’s reception desk. N-SING: the N, oft N n, also at N 2. The reception in an office or hospital is the place where people’s appointments and questions are dealt with. (mainly BRIT) Wait at reception for me. N-SING: the N, oft N n, also at N 3. A reception is a formal party which is given to welcome someone or to celebrate a special event. At the reception they served smoked salmon. N-COUNT 4. If someone or something has a particular kind of reception, that is the way that people react to them. Mr Mandela was given a tumultuous reception in Washington... N-COUNT: usu sing, usu supp N 5. If you get good reception from your radio or television, the sound or picture is clear because the signal is strong. If the reception is poor, the sound or picture is unclear because the signal is weak. Adjust the aerial’s position and direction for the best reception. N-UNCOUNT