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
Without anything more binding than a handshake, these loan pools rely on community ties to ensure debts are repaid.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 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
And sure, it may not be the kind of baking that’ll earn you a Paul Hollywood handshake under the “Bake Off” tent.
From Salon ● Jun. 14, 2026
We all froze, except for Brother Fowles, who jumped up and held out his hand to Father with the left hand clasping his forearm, secret handshake of the Congolese.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
We have a long goodbye routine, which involves about 25 different secret handshakes and poses.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 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
As the royal couple drove off following handshakes and a bit of chat, Trump added: "Great people. We need more people like that in our country."
From Barron's ● Apr. 30, 2026
Kopitar received another standing ovation after the team handshakes, acknowledging the cheers from the crowd.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 26, 2026
We got big smiles from the Americans and bone-crushing handshakes.
From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
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.
