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

Pine Ridge, South Dakota — A four-pack of rez dogs trotted toward the lone grocery store, greeting and tailing human companions in hopes of a spare scrap. —Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025

The greeting surprised many internet users, according to a flurry of viral posts on social media that analyzed their hand placements and debated whether the hug was appropriate for the situation, given Erika's recent loss. —Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025

Befitting our city and soccer’s standing as the world’s game, recorded greetings from SDFC players and coaches speaking in English and Spanish added to the fan experience. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2025

The polite and sensible thing to do is learn basic greetings and phrases. —Jade Moyano, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 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