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salutation

noun
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sal·​u·​ta·​tion | \ ˌsal-yə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce salutation (audio) \

Definition of salutation

1a : an expression of greeting, goodwill, or courtesy by word, gesture, or ceremony
b salutations plural : regards
2 : the word or phrase of greeting (such as Gentlemen or Dear Sir or Madam) that conventionally comes immediately before the body of a letter
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Other Words from salutation

salutational \ ˌsal-​yə-​ˈtā-​shnəl How to pronounce salutational (audio) , -​shə-​nᵊl \ adjective

Examples of salutation in a Sentence

A handshake and saying “hello” are common salutations. Shaking hands is a form of salutation.
Recent Examples on the Web At the end, the faculty invited each student to offer a five-word salutation. — The New Yorker, "at the epicenter of the pandemic.," 27 Apr. 2020 People who greet each day with sun salutation poses might want to treat themselves to this luxurious mat. — Popular Science, "Yoga mats for a better at-home workout," 21 Apr. 2020 Mott and Bow’s sweatshirt is cut from just-right cotton terry cloth that provides warmth without bulk, and the relaxed fit at the chest and shoulders flows through sun salutations and warrior poses with ease. — The Editors, Outside Online, "How the Outside Staff Stays Comfy During Quarantine," 12 Apr. 2020 Instead of diving right in, use salutations in email and texts. — Gwen Moran, Fortune, "3 ways to manage conflict when you work remotely," 6 Apr. 2020 In the glass-walled yoga room, guests can perform sun salutations looking out at the Atlantic. — Trish Lorenz, Condé Nast Traveler, "Portugal's Azores Islands Are Still a Wild Paradise," 7 Feb. 2020 Over in Paris, the government not only closed the entire Louvre Museum but the French health minister urged his countrymen to avoid shaking hands and, sacre bleu, omit that country’s famous double-cheek salutation, la bise. — Catherine Bigelow, SFChronicle.com, "Grace Cathedral in SF lets the good times roll to the tune of 600K; Barbara Eden honored," 3 Mar. 2020 In a rival image of a few years later, a bloated paramount lolls drunkenly among half-naked women, receiving ludicrous salutations from groveling subjects. — Felipe Fernández-armesto, WSJ, "‘A Fistful of Shells’ Review: Buyers, Sellers and Rulers," 18 Feb. 2020 These days there’s no need to cultivate an herb garden or count sun salutations. — Katie Jackson, USA TODAY, "Anti-aging resorts: 10 hotels and resorts promising to make travelers look (and feel) younger," 23 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'salutation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of salutation

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Time Traveler for salutation

Time Traveler

The first known use of salutation was in the 14th century

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Statistics for salutation

Last Updated

9 Jun 2020

Cite this Entry

“Salutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/salutation. Accessed 12 Jul. 2020.

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More Definitions for salutation

salutation

noun
How to pronounce salutation (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of salutation

: a word or phrase (such as "Gentlemen," "Dear Sir," "Dear Madam," or "To whom it may concern") that is used to begin a letter
formal : the act of greeting someone

See the full definition for salutation in the English Language Learners Dictionary

salutation

noun
sal·​u·​ta·​tion | \ ˌsal-yə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce salutation (audio) \

Kids Definition of salutation

1 : an act or action of greeting
2 : a word or phrase used as a greeting at the beginning of a letter

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More from Merriam-Webster on salutation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for salutation

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with salutation

Spanish Central: Translation of salutation

Nglish: Translation of salutation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of salutation for Arabic Speakers

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