Wel″come (?), a. [OE. welcome, welcume, wilcume, AS. wilcuma a welcome guest, from wil-, as a prefix, akin to willa will + cuma a comer, fr. cuman to come; hence, properly, one who comes so as to please another's will; cf. Icel. velkominn welcome, G. willkommen. See Will, n., and Come.]
1. Received with gladness; admitted willingly to the house, entertainment, or company; as, a welcome visitor.
When the glad soul is made Heaven's welcome guest. Cowper.
2. Producing gladness; grateful; as, a welcome present; welcome news. “O, welcome hour!” Milton.
3. Free to have or enjoy gratuitously; as, you are welcome to the use of my library.
☞ Welcome is used elliptically for you are welcome. “Welcome, great monarch, to your own.” Dryden.
Welcome-to-our-house(Bot.), a kind of spurge (Euphorbia Cyparissias). Dr. Prior.