recipient

noun

re·​cip·​i·​ent ri-ˈsi-pē-ənt How to pronounce recipient (audio)
Synonyms of recipient
: one that receives : receiver
recipient adjective

Examples of recipient in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But states have lagged in making such a transition for Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, which are what SNAP recipients use to access food aid. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026 Its inaugural recipient is Japanese film critic and international cinema advocate Sahoko Hata, whose career helped introduce landmark European films to Japanese audiences. — Gavin Blair, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026 Born and based in Nara, Japan, Cannes regular Kawase became the youngest recipient of its Caméra d’Or for her debut feature, Suzaku, before winning the Grand Prix for The Mourning Forest (2007). — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026 When a WhatsApp message reaches the recipient’s phone, two small ticks appear next to it on the sender’s screen. — D. T. Max, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recipient

Word History

Etymology

Latin recipient-, recipiens, present participle of recipere

First Known Use

1558, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of recipient was in 1558

Phrases Containing recipient

Rhymes for recipient

See All Rhymes for recipient

Browse Nearby Words

recipience
recipient
reciprocal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recipient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recipient. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

recipient

noun
re·​cip·​i·​ent ri-ˈsip-ē-ənt How to pronounce recipient (audio)
: one that receives
the recipient of many honors
recipient adjective

Medical Definition

recipient

noun
re·​cip·​i·​ent ri-ˈsip-ē-ənt How to pronounce recipient (audio)
: an individual who receives biological material (as blood or an organ) from a donor

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