greeting

noun

greet·​ing ˈgrē-tiŋ How to pronounce greeting (audio)
1
: a salutation at meeting
2
: an expression of good wishes : regards
usually used in plural
holiday greetings

Examples of greeting in a Sentence

He addressed the members of the delegation with a formal greeting. the volunteer directed the conference participants towards the coffee after offering them a cheerful greeting
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The exterior of the property is grandiose, with white columns accentuating a stately brick façade and a circular driveway greeting guests. Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2024 The welcome platters of Champagne greeting guests into the space had been swapped for fries and chicken tenders. Kristen Tauer, WWD, 29 Oct. 2024 Trump also likes to make an entrance from the air, often flying over his rallies as a preliminary greeting. Antonia Hitchens, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024 Day of the Dead greetings Despite its cheerful appearance, Dia de los Muertos is a somber holiday to honor those who have passed on. Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for greeting 

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of greeting was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near greeting

Cite this Entry

“Greeting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greeting. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

greeting

noun
greet·​ing
1
2
: an expression of good wishes : regards
usually used in plural

More from Merriam-Webster on greeting

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!