salutation

American  

[sal-yuh-tey-shuhn] / ˌsæl yəˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of saluting.

2. something uttered, written, or done by way of saluting.

3. 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.

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salutation British  

/ ˌsæljʊˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. an act, phrase, gesture, etc, that serves as a greeting

2. a form of words used as an opening to a speech or letter, such as Dear Sir or Ladies and Gentlemen

3. the act of saluting

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Usage

What does salutation mean? A salutation is a word, phrase, or gesture used as a greeting. Most commonly, salutation refers to the introductory greeting in a letter or email (such as Dear Professor Smith), or the way you greet a person when you see them in real life (such as saying hello and shaking their hand). Salutations can be formal or informal. Less commonly, salutation refers to the action of saluting. Example: To avoid spreading germs, many people are abandoning the traditional handshake in favor of salutations that don’t involve touching.

Other Word Forms

• nonsalutation noun
• salutational adjective
• salutationless adjective

Etymology

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, -ate ¹) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

A salutation is a greeting, whether it's "Dear sir" in a letter or "Hey there!" in person. The expression "Greetings and salutations!" contains two words meaning pretty much the same thing: A salutation is a form of greeting. In a letter, the salutation is the part that says "To whom it may concern" or "Dear John." When we talk, we give salutations like "hello," "hi there," "hey," and "welcome." Another more formal type of salutation gives honor to others — like a salute.

Example Sentences

If you’re still in a “Happy New Year” state of mind, you’re probably not alone, even if there’s debate about how far into January you can offer such a salutation.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 16, 2026

In the letter to Pfizer, Trump crossed out “Dr. Bourla” in the salutation and wrote “Albert” with a marker, a sign of their familiarity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 3, 2025

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls” became a gender-neutral salutation to “dreamers of all ages.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2024

Dap is a customary salutation or greeting amongst Black people.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2024

When asked why he used this salutation, he said, “In life we are all masters,” countering a past champion’s chestnut, “In life we are all duffers.”

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady