namaste

American  

[nuhm-uh-stey] / ˈnʌm əˌsteɪ /

noun

1. a conventional Hindu expression on meeting or parting, used by the speaker usually while holding the palms together vertically in front of the bosom.

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namaste British  

/ ˌnʌməsˈteɪ /

interjection

1. a salutation used in India

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Usage

What does namaste mean? Namaste is a traditional Hindu greeting said with a hand gesture in which the palms are pressed together at the chest or head, accompanied by a slight bow or arm raise. In the West, it is commonly associated with yoga, and uses of namaste in this context is sometimes accused of being a form of cultural appropriation.

Etymology

Origin of namaste

First recorded in 1945–50; from Sanskrit: “hail,” literally, “(a) bow to thee”

Example Sentences

He needs to say namaste to India again.

From The Wall Street Journal

The GPT also created a Hindi version, in seconds, using terms such as "namaste" and "rickshaw" to make it more culturally relevant in India.

From BBC

In a reply to King’s tweet, Musk said “You’re welcome namaste” and in another tweet he said he’s “paying for a few personally.”

From Seattle Times

During the store opening on Tuesday, Mr. Cook pressed his palms together in a gesture of namaste.

From New York Times

He talks about the higher purpose of his “namaste” tattoo, and feigns outrage when no one recognizes his Dean Martin references.

From New York Times