receiving line


noun

a row formed by the hosts, guests of honor, or the like, for receiving guests formally at a ball, reception, etc.

Origin of receiving line

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35

Example sentences from the Web for receiving line

  • I saw you talking to him; but you ought to have come earlier while there was a receiving-line ready for you.

    Otherwise Phyllis |Meredith Nicholson