What does handshaking mean?
Handshaking is the act or process of clasping another person's hand as a greeting, celebration, reassurance, or sign of agreement. It commonly describes a formal or ceremonial greeting, as when guests are introduced, a new arrival is welcomed, or public figures meet supporters. The word is also used more broadly for friendly social contact, particularly in political settings, where “the handshaking over” can refer to a post-election meeting period or to a newly elected leader's outreach. In this broader sense, the expression may carry a mildly critical implication that contact is largely symbolic rather than substantial. Although handshake is more common when referring to an individual exchange, handshaking is useful for describing the collective or repeated activity. The word also functions as a present participle, as in a sentence reporting that two people are actively shaking hands.
The act or process of shaking hands with someone as a greeting, celebration, or expression of agreement; by extension, cordial social contact of the kind associated with public or political figures meeting others.
"The exhibition opened with handshaking, conversation, and a short speech."
Usually uncountable. The extended political sense can be neutral or mildly critical.
The present participle of handshake, meaning shaking hands with someone.
"The two teams remained handshaking with their supporters after the final whistle."
This form is ordinarily used in a sentence describing people who are in the act of shaking hands.
Usually uncountable; the plural is rare and is used when separate instances are being counted.
"The ceremony included several brief handshakings with the crowd."
A handshake can welcome a stranger, close a deal, or become a political symbol—all from two hands briefly meeting.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does handshaking come from?
Handshaking is an English compound formed from hand and the gerund shaking. The noun developed around the turn of the nineteenth century alongside handshake, a term that referred to clasping hands as a sign of greeting, goodwill, or agreement. The related forms handshaken and handshaker continue the same lexical family, while forms in several other languages are translations rather than inherited cognates.
Related word forms
How handshaking is actually used
The noun is usually uncountable, although a rare plural is possible. As a present participle, it describes the act of shaking hands. In political and journalistic contexts, it can suggest ceremonial friendliness or, critically, a limited opportunity for direct public contact.