What does "salute" mean?
An utterance or gesture expressing greeting or honor towards someone, (now especially) a formal, non-verbal gesture made with the arms or hands in any of various specific positions.
Salute
/səˈl(j)uːt/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An utterance or gesture expressing greeting or honor towards someone, (now especially) a formal, non-verbal gesture made with the arms or hands in any of various specific positions.
- Grammar: salute is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: accost, acknowledge, acknowledge, address.
- Useful contrasts: dishonor, disregard, disrespect.
- Usage evidence: The captain gave orders for a salute to be fired.
How to use "salute"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "salute" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "salute" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "salute" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "salute" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "salute" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "accost" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "salute", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An utterance or gesture expressing greeting or honor towards someone, (now especially) a formal, non-verbal gesture made with the arms or hands in any of various specific positions.
"The soldiers greeted the dignitaries with a crisp salute."
- 2 an act of greeting with friendly words and gestures like bowing or lifting the hat wordnet
- 3 A kiss, offered in salutation.
"[M]aking an apology which, not suspecting his intention, I did not understand, – he gave me a most ardent salute! I have seldom been more surprised. I had no idea of his taking such a freedom."
- 4 a formal military gesture of respect wordnet
- 5 A discharge of cannon or similar arms, as a mark of honour or respect.
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 an act of honor or courteous recognition wordnet
- 7 A pyrotechnic device primarily designed to produce a loud bang.
Verb
- 1 To make a gesture in honor of (someone or something). ambitransitive
"They saluted the flag as it passed in the parade."
- 2 express commendation of wordnet
- 3 To act in thanks, honor, or tribute; to thank or extend gratitude; to praise.
"I would like to salute the many dedicated volunteers that make this project possible."
- 4 greet in a friendly way wordnet
- 5 to wave, to acknowledge an acquaintance. Ireland, informal
"I saluted Bill at the concert, but he didn't see me through the crowd."
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 recognize with a gesture prescribed by a military regulation; assume a prescribed position wordnet
- 7 To address, as with expressions of kind wishes and courtesy; to greet; to hail.
"Then I salute you with this kingly title: / Long live Richard, England's royal king!"
- 8 honor with a military ceremony, as when honoring dead soldiers wordnet
- 9 To promote the welfare and safety of; to benefit; to gratify.
"Would I had no being, / If this salute my blood a jot; it faints me, / To think what follows."
- 10 propose a toast to wordnet
- 11 To kiss. archaic
"#*:Twice indeed with rapture, which once she called rude, did I salute her; and each time, resenting the freedom, did she retire […]."
- 12 become noticeable wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"The captain gave orders for a salute to be fired."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "salute"?
Common synonyms include: accost, acknowledge, acknowledge, address, adulate, anniversaries.
How do you use "salute" in a sentence?
The captain gave orders for a salute to be fired.
How do you pronounce "salute"?
Pronounced /səˈl(j)uːt/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin salūtō (“to greet; to wish health to”), from salūs (“greeting, good health”), related to salvus (“safe”).