salutation

American  

[sal-yuh-tey-shuhn] / ˌsæl yəˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of saluting. salute.

2. something uttered, written, or done by way of saluting. salute.

3. a word or phrase serving as the prefatory greeting in a letter or speech, as Dear Sir in a letter or Ladies and Gentlemen in a speech.

---

salutation British  

/ ˌsæljʊˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. an act, phrase, gesture, etc, that serves as a greeting

2. a form of words used as an opening to a speech or letter, such as Dear Sir or Ladies and Gentlemen

3. the act of saluting

---

Usage

What does salutation mean? A salutation is a word, phrase, or gesture used as a greeting. Most commonly, salutation refers to the introductory greeting in a letter or email (such as Dear Professor Smith), or the way you greet a person when you see them in real life (such as saying hello and shaking their hand). Salutations can be formal or informal. Less commonly, salutation refers to the action of saluting. Example: To avoid spreading germs, many people are abandoning the traditional handshake in favor of salutations that don’t involve touching.

Other Word Forms

• nonsalutation noun
• salutational adjective
• salutationless adjective

Etymology

Origin of salutation

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin salūtātiōn- (stem of salūtātiō ) greeting, equivalent to salūtāt ( us ) (past participle of salūtāre to greet; salute, -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

A salutation is a greeting, whether it's "Dear sir" in a letter or "Hey there!" in person. The expression "Greetings and salutations!" contains two words meaning pretty much the same thing: A salutation is a form of greeting. In a letter, the salutation is the part that says "To whom it may concern" or "Dear John." When we talk, we give salutations like "hello," "hi there," "hey," and "welcome." Another more formal type of salutation gives honor to others — like a salute.

Example Sentences

If you’re still in a “Happy New Year” state of mind, you’re probably not alone, even if there’s debate about how far into January you can offer such a salutation.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 16, 2026

In the letter to Pfizer, Trump crossed out “Dr. Bourla” in the salutation and wrote “Albert” with a marker, a sign of their familiarity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 3, 2025

When you learn to write letters, you’re told that the body is everything between the salutation and the closing.

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2025

Think of Leigh’s subsequent sculpture as a monument to its headless-ness — at once a mockery of Joséphine’s thoughtless ignorance and a captivating salutation to the actual power of symbolic resistance.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2024

He addressed himself to Miss Bennet, with a polite congratulation; Mr. Hurst also made her a slight bow, and said he was “very glad;” but diffuseness and warmth remained for Bingley’s salutation.

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen