greeting

noun

greet·​ing ˈgrē-tiŋ 

1

: a salutation at meeting

2

: an expression of good wishes : regards

—usually used in plural

holiday greetings

Synonyms of greeting

• salutation
• salute
• welcome

Examples of greeting in a Sentence

He addressed the members of the delegation with a formal greeting.

the volunteer directed the conference participants towards the coffee after offering them a cheerful greeting

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet all these years later, the handshake remains the default form of greeting in America. —Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026

One brave man ignores a greeting. —Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2026

Another video showed Mickey Mouse greeting Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, as the As Ever founder watched alongside Minnie Mouse and Lilibet. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026

Leo met some of the Gaza students during a brief greeting at the campus chapel, and again after his speech in the main lecture hall of the university, which was founded by Pope Boniface VIII in 1303. —Nicole Winfield, Fortune, 15 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing greeting

• greeting card
• in greeting

Rhymes for greeting

• beating
• bleating
• cheating
• eating
• fleeting
• heating
• meeting
• seating
• sheeting
• sweeting
• treating
• accreting

Kids Definition

greeting

noun

greet·​ing

1

: salutation

2

: an expression of good wishes : regards

—usually used in plural