salutation

noun

sal·​u·​ta·​tion ˌsal-yə-ˈtā-shən 

1

a

: an expression of greeting, goodwill, or courtesy by word, gesture, or ceremony

b

salutations plural : regards

2

: the word or phrase of greeting (such as Gentlemen or Dear Sir or Madam) that conventionally comes immediately before the body of a letter

salutational

ˌsal-yə-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of salutation

• tribute
• commendation
• citation
• hymn
• homage

Examples of salutation in a Sentence

A handshake and saying “hello” are common salutations.

Shaking hands is a form of salutation.

Recent Examples on the Web

The salutation will kick off a three-day visit that's expected to be saturated with pomp, even by White House standards. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

The salutation kicks off a three-day visit that’s expected to be saturated with pomp, even by White House standards. — Michelle L. Price, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Getting on your mat — at a CorePower outpost near you or from the comforts of home sweet home — and flowing through those sun salutations has never been more rewarding. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 11 June 2026

That data appeared tied to Holland America's Mariner Society loyalty program and included names, dates of birth, email addresses, genders, geographic locations, salutations and loyalty program details. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for salutation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

salutation

noun

sal·​u·​ta·​tion ˌsal-yə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: an expression of greeting, goodwill, or courtesy

2

: the word or phrase of greeting that begins a letter

salutational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective