receptionist
/rɪˈsepʃənɪst/ (bre, ipa) · /rɪˈsepʃənɪst/ (ame, ipa) · /ri-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nist/ (ame, mw)
receptionist — noun
- receptionistsingular
- receptionistsplural
1. a person who greets visitors and answers phone calls while sitting at the front
a person who greets visitors and answers phone calls while sitting at the front desk in a hotel, at an office, or in a hospital
The hotel receptionist gave Jiwoo his room key and a map of the area.
receptionist + give [guest] [items] — typical hotel check-in
Talia called the office, and the receptionist answered the phone on the second ring.
receptionist + answer phone — common office scenario
The clinic receptionist gave Evelyn a form to fill out before her visit.
João got a job as a receptionist at a law office near the train station.
The front desk receptionist greeted Nkechi and showed her to the waiting room.
- front desk clerk
more common in US English and used especially for hotels, where duties include check-ins and reservations
- desk clerk
shortened form of 'front desk clerk', used mainly in American hotels