salutation

noun

sal·​u·​ta·​tion ˌsal-yə-ˈtā-shən 

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

ˌsal-yə-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

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

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

Those two words — Philly's affectionate salutation — have taken on deeper meaning as the city grapples with the aftermath of a tragedy that killed seven people and injured dozens more. —Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025

Sun Salutations The sun salutations are a group of poses focused on moving the body. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2024

Feel like sleeping in rather than rising for sun salutations? —Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 31 Jan. 2025

The King and Queen's office was first to announce the news about Athena's arrival with a statement on social media, and Princess Beatrice's younger sister, Princess Eugenie, sent salutations on Instagram. —Janine Henni, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for salutation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

salutation

noun

sal·​u·​ta·​tion ˌsal-yə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: an expression of greeting, goodwill, or courtesy

2

: the word or phrase of greeting that begins a letter

salutational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective