namaste

[nuhm-uh-stey]

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.

namaste

/ ˌnʌməsˈteɪ /

interjection

1. a salutation used in India

Word History and Origins

Origin of namaste¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of namaste¹

C21: via Hindi from Sanskrit, from namas salutation, bow + te to you

Example Sentences

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

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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.”

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

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

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If you want, you can offer an alternative gesture of greeting, which could range from a fist bump, an elbow bump, a namaste gesture or the wai gesture of Thailand.

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When To Use

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.