fist bump

American  

noun

Informal.

1. a gesture of greeting, friendship, triumph, etc., in which two people make a fist and bump each other's knuckles.

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Other Word Forms

• fist-bump verb

Etymology

Origin of fist bump

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

If you’ve caught yourself muttering Carlton Fisk wouldn’t have given anyone a fist bump, then Raleigh’s snub probably makes your cold heart flutter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

Raleigh may be displaying intensity, but the idea that a gentle fist bump of a current MLB teammate is treason is a special brand of absurd.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

As the officers left without an apology, one offered a fist bump.

From Salon • Nov. 4, 2025

“He definitely has the record for fist bumps as not a day goes by where Elias walks up with a fist bump and a smile saying, ‘Hello coach B!’”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2025

Tyrell offered me a fist bump and I took it on the run.

From "Shelter (Book One): A Mickey Bolitar Novel" by Harlan Coben