salutation

[ sal-yuh-tey-shuhn ]

See synonyms for: salutation salutations on Thesaurus.com

noun

the act of saluting.
something uttered, written, or done by way of saluting.

a word or phrase serving as the prefatory greeting in a letter or speech, as Dear Sir in a letter or Ladies and Gentlemen in a speech.

Origin of salutation

1350–1400; Middle English <Latin salūtātiōn- (stem of salūtātiō) greeting, equivalent to salūtāt(us) (past participle of salūtāre to greet; see salute, -ate¹) + -iōn--ion

Other words from salutation

sal·u·ta·tion·al, adjective
sal·u·ta·tion·less, adjective
non·sal·u·ta·tion, noun

Words Nearby salutation

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

How to use salutation in a sentence

The guest ascends from the west of the steps, stands under the lintel, faces north and returns the salutation.
The Pandemic Changed How We Drink. It's Time to Go Back to the Joy of Social Drinking | Edward Slingerland | December 30, 2021 | Time
Freed from the workday shackles of our hard pants, it’s never been easier to take a break from the computer with a set of impromptu burpees or sun salutations.
It’s Time to Start Wearing Jeans Again | Aleta Burchyski | March 17, 2021 | Outside Online
I settled on “Oh God of our many understandings” as the salutation.
How to Pray in the Public Square | Gene Robinson | May 11, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Her salutation reads, “Robert S, McNamara—revered, praised, questioned, respected, honored, celebrated … and loved.”
On the Block: Letters From Jackie | Sandra McElwaine | October 15, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
Watch as Nixon describes why “Hi” is usually the best salutation when greeting a cancer patient.
2012 Tony Nominations Revealed: ‘Once,’ “Salesman,’ ‘Wit,’ ‘Starcatcher,’ and More | Brittany Jones-Cooper | May 1, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST

“Ozzy rules,” he said as his salutation, his pinky, pointer, and thumb outstretched in perfect formation.
Donkeygate! Bush Officials Banned the Democrat Mascot | Randall Lane | July 6, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
Nancy Watling deigned no reply to his farewell salutation, but walked indignantly across her moon-lighted lawn.
The World Before Them | Susanna Moodie
He eyed Bumble askance as he entered, but scarcely deigned to nod his head in acknowledgment of his salutation.
Oliver Twist, Vol. II (of 3) | Charles Dickens
After hearing the angel's words of praise she was silent and thought within herself what kind of a salutation this was.
Mary, Help of Christians | Various
Their salutation finished, these worthies proceed to recount the sport they have had on earth.
A Cursory History of Swearing | Julian Sharman
One morning, on opening his window, he waved his handkerchief in token of salutation, and I replied in the same manner.
My Ten Years' Imprisonment | Silvio Pellico

British Dictionary definitions for salutation

salutation

/ (ˌsæljʊˈteɪʃən) /

noun

an act, phrase, gesture, etc, that serves as a greeting
a form of words used as an opening to a speech or letter, such as Dear Sir or Ladies and Gentlemen

the act of saluting

Origin of salutation

C14: from Latin salūtātiō, from salūtāre to greet; see salute

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

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