What does salutation mean?
A salutation is a greeting or opening expression used to acknowledge people, convey goodwill, or begin a letter or speech. The word can refer both to the words themselves and, in correspondence, to the name or title at the head of a letter. Salutations may be formal, such as “Dear Sir or Madam,” or warm and personal, such as “Hello, friends,” and the phrase “with the compliments of the season” illustrates the traditional language of courtesy. The term is often associated with greetings exchanged at ceremonies, public events, and formal correspondence. Its Latin root, from salus, “health” or “well-being,” reflects the original sense of expressing a wish for someone’s welfare. Although “salute” remains closely related, “salutation” more specifically emphasizes a greeting or the conventional opening of a written message.
A greeting or expression of goodwill, especially one used when meeting someone or beginning a letter or speech.
"A brief salutation opened the meeting."
Often somewhat formal; “warm salutations” commonly refers to friendly greetings exchanged between people.
The name or title used at the beginning of a letter, such as “Dear Sir or Madam.”
"She changed the salutation before sending the letter."
This sense is especially associated with formal or business correspondence.
Used for multiple greetings or for the greetings exchanged between people.
"The two leaders exchanged cordial salutations."
The word salutation comes from the Latin salute, meaning “well-being” or “health,” so a greeting has long carried a wish for another person’s well-being.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does salutation come from?
The word comes from Latin salutatio, a noun meaning “an greeting” or “an expression of well-being,” derived from salutare, “to wish health or well-being to.” English borrowed the word in the late Middle Ages, initially in contexts involving greetings and correspondence. The related words “salute” and “salutary” also reflect the Latin family of salus and salut-, associated with health, safety, and well-being.
Related word forms
How salutation is actually used
The word is somewhat formal and is especially common in greetings, correspondence, ceremonial contexts, and descriptions of language. “Salutations” is often used when referring to greetings exchanged at the start of an event or message.
Easily confused with salutation
A salutation is a greeting or opening expression, while a salute can be a greeting, a military gesture, or an expression of respect or admiration.