greet
greet
Greet (verb) means to welcome someone in a friendly way, in person or otherwise. Example: “She greeted her guests warmly at the door.”
verb
1
To welcome someone in a friendly way, in person or otherwise.
"She greeted her guests warmly at the door."
"The staff greet every customer with a smile."
"My neighbour always greets me with a wave when I pass his gate."
2
To be perceived by someone as they arrive somewhere.
"A wall of noise greeted them as they entered the stadium."
"The smell of fresh bread greeted us as we opened the front door."
"A cold wind greeted the walkers when they reached the top of the hill."
How to use greet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo welcome someone, or for something to be the first thing that meets your senses on arrival.
Common pairings
greet warmly
greet a guest
greeted by
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- greets
- Past tense
- greeted, grat, grutten
- Comparative
- more greet
- Superlative
- most greet
Fill the gap
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She _____ her guests warmly at the door.
Etymology
From Old English grētan, related to modern German grüßen ("to greet").
Related words
Rhymes for greet
See all rhymes for greet →Frequently asked questions
What does “greet” mean?
The word “greet” means to welcome someone in a friendly way, in person or otherwise. In plain terms, to welcome someone, or for something to be the first thing that meets your senses on arrival.
How do you pronounce “greet”?
“Greet” is pronounced greet (/ɡɹiːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “greet” in a sentence?
Here is “greet” used in a sentence: “She greeted her guests warmly at the door.”
What part of speech is “greet”?
“Greet” is a verb.
Where does the word “greet” come from?
The word “greet” comes from Old English. From Old English grētan, related to modern German grüßen ("to greet").
Is “greet” a common word?
“Greet” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “greet” have?
“Greet” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to welcome someone in a friendly way, in person or otherwise.
What is the difference between "greet" and "welcome"?
"Greet" simply means to acknowledge someone in a friendly way upon meeting or arrival, such as saying hello, while "welcome" often implies a warmer, more formal reception, sometimes including hospitality or an invitation. Every welcome involves a greeting, but not every greeting rises to the level of a welcome.
Can "greet" be used for things other than people, like sights or sounds?
Yes, "greet" can describe being perceived by someone as they arrive somewhere, as in "a warm breeze greeted us at the door" or "cheers greeted the announcement." In this figurative sense, something other than a person can "greet" someone by making an impression on their arrival.
Is "greet" used the same way in formal and informal contexts?
Yes, "greet" works in both formal and informal contexts, from a diplomat greeting a foreign dignitary to a friend greeting another at a party. Its neutral tone makes it suitable across a wide range of situations.
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