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receiving line
noun
: a group of people who stand in a line and individually welcome guests (as at a wedding reception)
Examples of receiving line in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
American leaders have been shot at close range and long range, indoors and outdoors, from sniper nests in high buildings and from the apparently friendly surroundings of a receiving line.
—Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 14 July 2024
There would be some urgency in his voice, but also some restraint, and the effect would be that of a member of the Royal Family pausing in a receiving line to speak to a retired Olympian.
—Fiona McFarlane, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024
President Biden and Jill Biden, the first lady, were first in the receiving line.
—Kenny Holston, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2024
Live Coverage Feed 14 hours ago Republicans Greet Mike Johnson With Hugs
Inside the room, Republicans are approaching Rep. Mike Johnson (R., La.), who is almost a one-man receiving line.
—Siobhan Hughes, WSJ, 25 Oct. 2023
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Word History
First Known Use
1933, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near receiving line
Cite this Entry
“Receiving line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receiving%20line. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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