handshake
Handshake (noun) means the act of grasping and shaking someone's hand as a greeting or to seal an agreement. Example: “They sealed the deal with a firm handshake.”
How to use handshake
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA greeting where two people grip and shake hands, or (in tech) devices confirming a connection.
Word forms
handshaked past tense, handshook past tense, handshakes plural, handshakes singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They sealed the deal with a firm _____.
Etymology
From "hand" + "shake" — literally the shaking of hands.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for handshake
See all rhymes for handshake →Frequently asked questions
What does “handshake” mean?
The word “handshake” means the act of grasping and shaking someone's hand as a greeting or to seal an agreement. In plain terms, a greeting where two people grip and shake hands, or (in tech) devices confirming a connection.
How do you pronounce “handshake”?
“Handshake” is pronounced HAN-shayk (/ˈhæn(d)ˌʃeɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “handshake” in a sentence?
Here is “handshake” used in a sentence: “They sealed the deal with a firm handshake.”
What part of speech is “handshake”?
“Handshake” is a noun.
Is “handshake” a common word?
“Handshake” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “handshake” have?
“Handshake” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of grasping and shaking someone's hand as a greeting or to seal an agreement.