handshake

[ hand-sheyk ]

noun

1. a gripping and shaking of right hands by two individuals, such as to symbolize greeting, congratulation, agreement, or farewell:

   It was a verbal contract, sealed with a firm handshake.

2. Also handshaking. Computers. an exchange of predetermined signals between networked or linked devices that is made when a connection is initially established or at intervals during data transmission in order to assure proper synchronization (also used attributively):

   A successful handshake is required between the server and client before the application will launch.

   Two handshake signals are exchanged between the computer and the printer—one from each device.

handshake

/ ˈhændˌʃeɪk /

noun

1. the act of grasping and shaking a person's hand, as when being introduced or agreeing on a deal

Word History and Origins

Origin of handshake¹

First recorded in 1870–75; hand + shake

Idioms and Phrases

see golden handshake .

Example Sentences

“It was a handshake over the phone. And we’re going to close this thing this week.”

From Los Angeles Times

I greeted Nick Gerda last week the same way I’ve greeted him over the past year: a handshake, a hug and a “Great job, man.”

From Los Angeles Times

There are handshakes and he says “hello” in a soft, strongly accented voice.

From BBC

There are some handshakes before Khal talks to the waitress in German and then switches back to Arabic, his native tongue.

From BBC

Starting off the night with a handshake, both Vance and Walz proceeded to address each other politely and with great civility.

From BBC

Related Words

• arrangement
• bargain
• bond
• commitment
• guarantee
• obligation
• pact
• pledge
• record
• settlement