greeting
GREE-tihng
Greeting (noun) means a word or phrase used to acknowledge someone's arrival, or to open a letter, message, or conversation. Example: “She gave a warm greeting to everyone who walked through the door.”
noun
1
A word or phrase used to acknowledge someone's arrival, or to open a letter, message, or conversation.
"She gave a warm greeting to everyone who walked through the door."
"The email started with a friendly greeting before getting to business."
"Hello and good morning are common greetings in English."
2
The act of greeting someone.
"His greeting was so enthusiastic it caught her off guard."
"The greeting of guests at the door was the host's first job."
"After the long journey, the greeting between the old friends lasted several minutes."
How to use greeting
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hello, or the words you use to say hello.
Common pairings
a warm greeting
exchange greetings
season's greetings
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Word forms
- Plural
- greetings
Fill the gap
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She gave a warm _____ to everyone who walked through the door.
Etymology
Simply "greet" plus the ending "-ing," turning the verb into a noun.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for greeting
meeting
dieting
fleeting
riveting
tweeting
marketing
competing
picketing
fidgeting
carpeting
targeting
trumpeting
See all rhymes for greeting →
Frequently asked questions
What does “greeting” mean?
The word “greeting” means a word or phrase used to acknowledge someone's arrival, or to open a letter, message, or conversation. In plain terms, a hello, or the words you use to say hello.
How do you pronounce “greeting”?
“Greeting” is pronounced GREE-tihng (/ˈɡɹiːtɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “greeting” in a sentence?
Here is “greeting” used in a sentence: “She gave a warm greeting to everyone who walked through the door.”
What is another word for “greeting”?
Words with a similar meaning to “greeting” include accost, address, hail and salutation.
What is the opposite of “greeting”?
The opposite of “greeting” — its antonyms — are valediction and farewell.
What part of speech is “greeting”?
“Greeting” is a noun.
Is “greeting” a common word?
“Greeting” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “greeting” have?
“Greeting” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a word or phrase used to acknowledge someone's arrival, or to open a letter, message, or conversation.
What is the difference between a "greeting" and a "salutation"?
A "greeting" is a broad term for any word or phrase used to acknowledge someone's arrival or open a conversation, letter, or message. "Salutation" is a more formal term, often used specifically for the opening line of a letter or email, such as "Dear Sir or Madam."
What is the difference between a greeting and a greeting card message?
A greeting is the spoken or written act of acknowledging someone, such as saying "hello" or "good morning," while a greeting card message is the specific written text inside a card, often longer and more personalized. Both serve the same underlying purpose of extending good wishes or acknowledgment.
Can "greeting" refer to an action rather than words?
Yes, "greeting" can also refer to the act of greeting someone, such as a handshake, wave, or hug, not just the words spoken. This sense covers the overall action of acknowledging someone's presence.
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