English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun B1 Intermediate Uncommon

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."
2
The act of greeting someone.
"His greeting was so enthusiastic it caught her off guard."

How to use greeting

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA hello, or the words you use to say hello.

Common pairings
a warm greeting exchange greetings season's greetings

Word forms

greetings plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “greeting” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She gave a warm _____ to everyone who walked through the door.

Etymology

Simply "greet" plus the ending "-ing," turning the verb into a noun.

Related words

Rhymes for greeting

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.

Featured in

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial