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

• 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

Hayes always recommends exchanging a simple and polite greeting when entering a vendor’s stall. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025

For $75, fans can get a personalized video greeting from Lynn offering his best wishes, encouragement or whatever else one desires (within reason). —Bill Speros, Boston Herald, 15 June 2025

Let Lilian slow down and hesitate before issuing a greeting—Maureen would pretend to neither hear nor see her. —Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 15 June 2025

The Pirates of the Caribbean actor was also photographed warmly greeting reality TV stars Kim and Khloé Kardashian, as well as their mom, Kris Jenner, over his lunch at the lavish Venice hotel, Gritti Palace. —Angela Andaloro, People.com, 26 June 2025

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