salaam

American  

[suh-lahm] / səˈlɑm /

noun

1. a salutation meaning “peace,” used especially in Islamic countries.

2. a very low bow or obeisance, especially with the palm of the right hand placed on the forehead.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to salute with a salaam.

salaam British  

/ səˈlɑːm /

noun

1. a Muslim form of salutation consisting of a deep bow with the right palm on the forehead

2. a salutation signifying peace, used chiefly by Muslims

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verb

1. to make a salaam or salute (someone) with a salaam

Other Word Forms

• salaamlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of salaam

First recorded in 1605–15; from Arabic salām “peace,” cognate with Hebrew shalom ( def. ), from common Semitic šalām

Example Sentences

Among the highlights of the show was La Bohème, a salaam to the Parisian neighbourhood Montmartre – and an Aznavour signature tune.

From The Guardian • Oct. 2, 2018

Villagers greeted his mother, Raja Begam, with a respectful salaam.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2017

Maira asks the group, “Can I write salaam aleikum?”

From Washington Post • Jan. 23, 2016

Gordon loves the “We’re not worthy” line that Wayne and sidekick Garth salaam to Cooper in the film.

From Newsweek

“Nasreen aunty, salaam alaikum! You. look so pretty!”

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan