Salute

/səˈluːt/

verbBeginner📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To perform a gesture of respect or greeting, typically with a hand or bow.

/səˈluːt/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To show respect or greet someone formally, especially with a gesture.

The officer saluted the flag during the ceremony.

💡 Simply: Imagine you see a famous person or a friend. A salute is like waving or giving a little nod to show you notice them and that you respect them.

👶 For kids: To say hello or show respect by doing a special hand movement, like soldiers do.

More Examples

2

He saluted his colleague with a quick nod as he entered the room.

How It's Used

Military

"The soldiers saluted the general as he passed."

Social

"She saluted her friend with a wave and a smile."

2

A gesture, typically a raising of the hand to the forehead, used as a greeting or as a sign of respect.

/səˈluːt/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A gesture of greeting or respect.

The general received a crisp salute from the troops.

💡 Simply: The action of waving, nodding, or raising your hand to show someone you're saying hello or that you respect them.

👶 For kids: When you raise your hand to say hello to a soldier or show them respect.

More Examples

2

The crowd gave a collective salute to the departing heroes.

How It's Used

Military

"The officer returned the soldier's salute."

Ceremonial

"The audience gave a standing salute to the performers."

Tip:Picture a soldier giving a salute; that's the noun form!

Idioms & expressions

Salute to...

An expression of respect or admiration for someone or something.

"A salute to the brave firefighters who risked their lives."

From Italian *saluto*, from Latin *salūtus* ('health, greeting'), from *salvus* ('safe, healthy').

The term 'salute' has been used in various forms of social and military contexts since at least the 17th century.

Memory tip

Think of a soldier raising their hand to their forehead - a salute!

Word Origin

LanguageItalian
Original meaning

"greeting, health"

military salutereturn a salutereceive a salutegive a saluteformal salute

Common misspellings

salootsaluitesaloot

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written