Definition

Noun: A person employed in an office or other establishment to receive and assist visitors and clients, and to handle telephone calls. This role typically involves greeting guests, managing appointments, providing basic information, and performing general administrative tasks at the front desk or reception area.

Usage

The word "receptionist" refers specifically to the job title or role of the person performing front-desk duties. It is used to describe an employee whose primary workplace is the reception area. - She works as a receptionist at a busy dental clinic. - Please leave your name with the receptionist at the front desk. - The hotel receptionist was very helpful in recommending local restaurants.

Advanced Usage

• "to work as a receptionist": to have the job of a receptionist.
  • After graduating, she started to work as a receptionist to gain office experience.
• "front desk receptionist": a receptionist specifically stationed at the main entrance or front desk, often used for clarity.
  • The front desk receptionist will give you a visitor's badge.

Variants and Related Words

• Reception (n): The area or office where a receptionist works; the act of receiving or welcoming.
  • Please wait for me in the reception.
• Reception desk (n): The counter or area where the receptionist is stationed.
  • You can check in at the reception desk.

Synonyms

• Front desk clerk: A person who works at and manages the front desk.
• Greeter: A person who welcomes people, though this term is less formal and may not imply all administrative duties.

Related Phrases

• To man the reception: To be stationed at and responsible for the reception desk.
  • Can you man the reception while I take my lunch break?
• Reception duties: The tasks typically performed by a receptionist.
  • Her reception duties include answering calls and sorting mail.

Noun

1. a secretary whose main duty is to answer the telephone and receive visitors