handshake

noun

hand·​shake ˈhan(d)-ˌshāk How to pronounce handshake (audio)
: 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
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.
But there is more to this than sweaty handshakes and awkward small talk over ashy coffee. Cherie Kloss, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 The 2025 class can’t officially sign contracts until Wednesday, but handshake agreements are common in places like the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Venezuela — in some cases, agreements struck years ago with players as young as 14 promising millions to kids from poor backgrounds. Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025 The two shared a handshake and exchange of words, causing buzz on social media. Zach Halaschak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Jan. 2025 Just handshakes, quiet embraces and a hurried effort by the military to get everybody home in time for Christmas. David Wolman, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for handshake 

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of handshake was in 1802

Dictionary Entries Near handshake

Cite this Entry

“Handshake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handshake. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

handshake

noun
hand·​shake -ˌshāk How to pronounce handshake (audio)
: a clasping of hands by two people especially in greeting or farewell

More from Merriam-Webster on handshake

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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