What does receptionist mean?
A receptionist is a person who greets visitors, answers telephone calls, provides information, and performs related office tasks. The role is especially associated with the reception desk, the area where visitors first arrive at a business or public establishment. Receptionists may also arrange appointments, direct callers, handle correspondence, and carry out administrative duties. In many workplaces, the position is the public face of an organisation, so a receptionist needs clear communication, a professional manner, and reliable administrative skills. The word can also refer more broadly to anyone who receives visitors or callers. It is used in both British and American English and is distinct from a telephone operator: although the roles may overlap, a receptionist normally works in a business or institutional setting and handles a broader range of tasks.
nounA receptionist is a person employed to welcome and assist visitors, answer telephone calls, and perform related administrative tasks at an office, hotel, or other establishment.
- A person employed to greet and assist visitors, answer telephone calls, and handle related administrative duties.
- A person who receives visitors or callers in a professional establishment, especially at a reception desk.
"Please leave your name with the receptionist when you arrive."
"The receptionist checked the appointment list and directed him to the correct office."
"She began working as a receptionist at a law firm and later became an office manager."
The regular plural is used when referring to more than one person in this role.
"The receptionists coordinated the visitors' schedules and directed them to the meeting rooms."
A receptionist is often the first—and sometimes the only—voice a customer hears, making the role a quiet but important part of an organisation's public face.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does receptionist come from?
The word dates from the 19th century and was formed from “reception” with the suffix “-ist,” meaning a person who performs or specializes in something. “Reception” comes through French from Latin receptio, a derivative of recipere, “to receive” or “take back.” The same Latin root underlies related English words such as receipt, receptive, and receptivity.
How receptionist is actually used
The term is neutral and common in British and American English. It usually refers to a receptionist who works in an office, hotel, clinic, or other business setting.
Easily confused with receptionist
A receptionist is a person who receives visitors or answers calls, whereas a reception is an event, service, or area where people are greeted.