salaam

[ suh-lahm ]
See synonyms for: salaamsalaamedsalaaming on Thesaurus.com

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.

verb (used with or without object)
  1. to salute with a salaam.

Origin of salaam

1
First recorded in 1605–15; from Arabic salām “peace,” cognate with Hebrew shalom, from common Semitic šalām

Other words from salaam

  • sa·laam·like, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use salaam in a sentence

  • The ryots, peasant proprietors of the soil, drew their rough carts aside and salaamed as he passed.

    The Red Year | Louis Tracy
  • The tall Nubians in white and scarlet smiled, salaamed, and showed their pleasure and their desire for his notice.

    Bella Donna | Robert Hichens
  • The servants set a tray before the Csar with silver cups, and fruit, and cakes, salaamed and retired.

    God Wills It! | William Stearns Davis
  • "That her majesty had chosen Durga Ram to be her consort and to him now forthwith she will be wed." He salaamed.

    The Adventures of Kathlyn | Harold MacGrath
  • She started for the door; but Phil got before her, and salaamed to the floor.

    We Ten | Lyda Farrington Kraus

British Dictionary definitions for salaam

salaam

/ (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

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

Origin of salaam

1
C17: from Arabic salām peace, from the phrase assalām `alaikum peace be to you

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012