handshake
Americannoun
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handshakes
plural
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a gripping and shaking of right hands by two individuals, such as to symbolize greeting, congratulation, agreement, or farewell.
It was a verbal contract, sealed with a firm handshake.
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Computers. Also handshaking. an exchange of predetermined signals between networked or linked devices that is made when a connection is initially established or at intervals during data transmission in order to assure proper synchronization (also used attributively).
A successful handshake is required between the server and client before the application will launch.
Two handshake signals are exchanged between the computer and the printer—one from each device.
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of handshake
Explanation
A handshake is the act of greeting someone by clasping their hand in yours and giving a brief, firm, up-and-down shake. It's fairly formal to greet another person with a handshake. It's appropriate to use a handshake, usually with the right hand, when you're being introduced to someone or presenting yourself at a job interview, for example. You can also use a handshake to seal an agreement or deal with another person. Handshakes were used as far back as the 5th century BCE in ancient Greece, and some historians believe the handshake was initially meant as a gesture proving that neither person held a weapon.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
As he finished helping a fellow trainee gear up, one paratrooper wished another good luck with a firm handshake.
From Barron's ● Aug. 20, 2026
It was an unveiling that started with a handshake.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026
His parting gift was a silver medal, a handshake from President Trump and a hug from the King of Spain.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026
The first-day-of-work outfit has long been a carefully choreographed ritual, the professional equivalent of a firm handshake.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 23, 2026
Right now Mr. Ram’s face is glowing with the happiness of the handshake.
From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali
Once Wrobleski’s job was done, he paced in the dugout, interrupted once in a while by a hug or handshakes from a teammate.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026
Previous G-7s brought out the alpha in Trump, subjecting allies to barbs and white-knuckled handshakes and forcing other leaders to walk on eggshells.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026
Some banks also have longstanding relationships with their customers, especially in agriculture, where many deals rely on handshakes, said Lucas.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 7, 2026
After warm handshakes and a warning about Taiwan from Xi Jinping on Thursday, the Chinese president and Trump were due to get down to brass tacks on Friday with discussions on trade, geopolitics and AI.
From Barron's ● May 15, 2026
Then he went back onshore, and there were handshakes and nods, all quiet, until he went back aboard and cast off.
From "Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy" by Gary D. Schmidt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
