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

This heritage home sits along a quiet side street shaded by banyan trees in one of Havana's poshest neighborhoods, with white columns and an ample patio with rocking chairs greeting guests. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2025

Cambodian officials say their soldiers approached the Thai position with friendly intentions to offer post-fighting greetings, while Thai officials said the Cambodians appeared to have hostile intent and entered what Thailand considers its territory, so were taken prisoner. —Arkansas Online, 2 Aug. 2025

If this is the case, Dr. Samaha says to acknowledge the challenge and help the child with small wins: learning greetings, recognizing signs, or practicing new words through fun apps or games. —Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 30 July 2025

Try this in passing moments—elevators, Slack messages, hallway greetings. —Gamini Hewawasam, Forbes.com, 28 July 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