handshake
noun
hand·shake
ˈhan(d)-ˌshāk 
: a clasping usually of right hands by two people (as in greeting or farewell)
Examples of handshake in a Sentence
She greeted him with a handshake.
He has a firm handshake.
Recent Examples on the Web
Now Veronia is 6, the handshake is a treasured part of the family’s morning routine.
—
Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
One’s impression is suddenly modified by the casual strength his handshake conveys, and rightly so, for beneath the elegant lines of his suit are hidden a hard body and the stamina of 10 battalions.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Sanders and son Shedeur were testy with Norvell during the postgame handshake at Folsom Field, after Norvell commented on Coach Prime's penchant for wearing sunglasses and a hat during interviews.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Paul goes to shake her hand but jerks it back, then gives her a left-handed handshake.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handshake
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
One’s impression is suddenly modified by the casual strength his handshake conveys, and rightly so, for beneath the elegant lines of his suit are hidden a hard body and the stamina of 10 battalions.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Sanders and son Shedeur were testy with Norvell during the postgame handshake at Folsom Field, after Norvell commented on Coach Prime's penchant for wearing sunglasses and a hat during interviews.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Paul goes to shake her hand but jerks it back, then gives her a left-handed handshake.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handshake
Cite this Entry
“Handshake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handshake. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
handshake
noun
hand·shake
-ˌshāk
: a clasping of hands by two people especially in greeting or farewell
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share