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.
Fischer played Dunder Mifflin receptionist and struggling artist Pam Beesly for the entirety of the show’s nine-season run, which concluded in 2013. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 29 May 2025 Paige, who’d just graduated from high school, worked there as a receptionist. Austin Meek, New York Times, 29 May 2025 Phelan was working as a receptionist at Georgia Skin Cancer and Aesthetic Dermatology, according to her obituary. Viola Flowers, NBC news, 26 May 2025 Soon, many patients might initiate contact with the health system not by speaking with a call center worker or receptionist, but with AI. Kff Health News, Mercury News, 23 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Receptionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptionist. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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

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