salaam

1 of 2

noun

sa·​laam sə-ˈläm How to pronounce salaam (audio)
1
: an obeisance performed by bowing very low and placing the right palm on the forehead
2
: a salutation or ceremonial greeting in the East

salaam

2 of 2

verb

salaamed; salaaming; salaams

transitive verb

: to greet or pay homage to with a salaam

intransitive verb

: to perform a salaam

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Arabic salām, literally, peace

First Known Use

Noun

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1693, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of salaam was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near salaam

Cite this Entry

“Salaam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/salaam. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

salaam

noun
sa·​laam
sə-ˈläm
: a greeting performed by bowing very low with the palm on the forehead
salaam verb
Etymology

Noun

from Arabic salām "a greeting," literally, "peace"

More from Merriam-Webster on salaam

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!