salutation

noun sal·u·ta·tion \ ˌsal-yə-ˈtā-shən \

Definition of salutation

1 a :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

—

salutational

play \ˌsal-yə-ˈtā-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl\ adjective

See salutation defined for English-language learners

See salutation defined for kids

Examples of salutation in a Sentence

A handshake and saying “hello” are common salutations.
Shaking hands is a form of salutation.

Recent Examples of salutation from the Web

The first step in any good note is the greeting—and boy, does Darabont know how to construct a salutation.

— laura bradley, vanityfair.com, "Have You Ever Sent an E-mail as Profane as This Former Walking Dead Showrunner?," 13 July 2017
The first step in any good note is the greeting—and boy, does Darabont know how to construct a salutation.

— laura bradley, HWD, "Have You Ever Sent an E-mail as Profane as This Former Walking Dead Showrunner?," 13 July 2017
Find a quiet grassy spot and move through a short sun salutation sequence.

— perri ormont blumberg, Bon Appetit, "7 Ways to Eat Healthier at a Summer Music Festival," 6 July 2017
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shook Trump’s hand for 19 whole seconds, while French President Emmanuel Macron went in for a death-grip, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned his salutation into a hug.

— christian holub, PEOPLE.com, "Video of Polish First Lady Dodging Trump Handshake Goes Viral," 6 July 2017
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shook Trump’s hand for 19 whole seconds, while French President Emmanuel Macron went in for a death-grip, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned his salutation into a hug.

— christian holub, EW.com, "Video of Polish first lady dodging Trump handshake goes viral," 6 July 2017
But as the world of masculine salutations takes on new layers of complexity—reaching its most evolved form in Cleveland—

— clay skipper, GQ, "Why Do Guys Always Have to Pat Each Other on the Back When They Hug?," 23 June 2017
If the sun salutation is a little too much for you, then pause in Downward Facing Dog for about five breaths between each strength exercise.

— amy marturana, SELF, "This 20-Minute Power Yoga Workout Will Strengthen and Stretch From Head to Toe," 22 June 2017
Nature Summer Salutations: Join us in honoring the Summer Solstice on Wednesday, June 21 with a flow of 108 Sun Salutations.

— charlotteobserver, "Happening nearby south Charlotte: June 21-27, 2017," 19 June 2017

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.

First Known Use of salutation

14th century

salutation Synonyms

Synonyms

accolade, citation, commendation, dithyramb, eulogium, eulogy, homage, hymn, paean, panegyric, encomium, tribute

Antonyms

adieu, bon voyage, congé (also congee), farewell, Godspeed, good-bye (or good-by)

Related Words

award, decoration, dedication, honor, prize; acclaim, acclamation, laudation; applause, plaudit (s); bravo, hallelujah, kudo; approval, cachet, compliment, recommendation

Near Antonyms

censure, condemnation, denunciation, indictment, rebuke, reprimand, reproof; admonition, correction, harangue, lecture, sermon

SALUTATION Defined for English Language Learners

salutation

noun

Definition of salutation for English Language Learners

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