received; receiving
1
: to come into possession of : acquire
receive a gift
2
a
: to act as a receptacle or container for
the cistern receives water from the roof
b
: to assimilate through the mind or senses
receive new ideas
4
: to accept as authoritative, true, or accurate : believe
5
a
: to support the weight or pressure of : bear
b
: to take (a mark or impression) from the weight of something
some clay receives clear impressions
c
: acquire, experience
received his early schooling at home
d
: to suffer the hurt or injury of
received a broken nose
1
: to be a recipient
2
: to be at home to visitors
receives on Tuesdays
3
: to convert incoming radio waves into perceptible signals
4
: to prepare to take possession of the ball from a kick in football
Examples of receive in a Sentence
… his stark and devastating description of Vichy collaborationism (which he based on German and American archives) was rather badly received in France …
—
Stanley Hoffmann, New York Times Book Review, 1 Nov. 1981
George, white-gloved, with a gardenia in his buttonhole, stood with his mother and the Major, embowered in the big red and gold drawing room downstairs, to "receive" the guests; and, standing thus together, the trio offered a picturesque example of good looks persistent through three generations.
—Booth Tarkington, The Magnificent Ambersons, 1918
From this time the astronomer was received into familiar friendship, and partook of all their projects and pleasures: his respect kept him attentive, and the activity of Rasselas did not leave much time unengaged.
—Samuel Johnson, Rasselas, 1759
You will be charged a late fee if the electric company does not receive your payment on time.
I received a letter from her yesterday.
You will receive a discount if you spend over $100.
She received the news of his death with remarkable calmness.
Stanley Hoffmann, New York Times Book Review, 1 Nov. 1981
George, white-gloved, with a gardenia in his buttonhole, stood with his mother and the Major, embowered in the big red and gold drawing room downstairs, to "receive" the guests; and, standing thus together, the trio offered a picturesque example of good looks persistent through three generations.
—Booth Tarkington, The Magnificent Ambersons, 1918
From this time the astronomer was received into familiar friendship, and partook of all their projects and pleasures: his respect kept him attentive, and the activity of Rasselas did not leave much time unengaged.
—Samuel Johnson, Rasselas, 1759
You will be charged a late fee if the electric company does not receive your payment on time.
I received a letter from her yesterday.
You will receive a discount if you spend over $100.
She received the news of his death with remarkable calmness.
Recent Examples on the Web
DoorDash has a student discount, where students can receive 50% off a DashPass account.
—Molly Higgins, WIRED, 23 Nov. 2024
Buyers are looking for ways to trim costs, and with the ubiquity of points increasing, consumers who can supplement spending with loyalty points will receive instant gratification.
—Len Covello, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Golden finished the 32-point rout with three receptions and 64 receiving yards.
—Danny Davis, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Pizza lovers must order a 10-inch minimum-size specialty pizza at participating restaurants to receive the special pricing.
—The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for receive 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Molly Higgins, WIRED, 23 Nov. 2024
Buyers are looking for ways to trim costs, and with the ubiquity of points increasing, consumers who can supplement spending with loyalty points will receive instant gratification.
—Len Covello, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Golden finished the 32-point rout with three receptions and 64 receiving yards.
—Danny Davis, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Pizza lovers must order a 10-inch minimum-size specialty pizza at participating restaurants to receive the special pricing.
—The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for receive
Dictionary Entries Near receive
Cite this Entry
“Receive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receive. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
receive
verb
re·ceive
ri-ˈsēv 
received; receiving
1
: to take or get something that is given, paid, or sent
receive the money
receive a letter
2
: to welcome on arrival : greet
receive friends
3
: to hold a reception
receive from four to six o'clock
4
: experience entry 2
receive a shock
5
: to change incoming radio waves into sounds or pictures
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