receptionist

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an employee whose main duty is to answer the telephone and receive visitors, typically located behind the front desk

   The receptionist offered the guests coffee while they waited in the lobby.

2. 2
   noun

   An employee (such as a secretary) who works in reception (receiving visitors and/or calls) for a person or business, especially an office.

   "At the moment, I think I'm working for the Central Intelligence Corporation, the Mafia, and Mr. Lee's Greater Hong Kong." "I see," the receptionist, making a note.

3. 3
   noun

   A proponent of receptionism.

Etymology

Recorded since 1901, derived from reception + -ist.