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

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

They begin to sing: Lal lal salaam, lal lal salaam, aane vaaley saathiyon ko lal lal salaam.

From The Guardian • Mar. 27, 2010

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

From Newsweek

"And salaam to you, too, Ada," I said.

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda