What does salute mean?
Salute is a formal word for greeting someone with a respectful gesture, particularly the military gesture of raising the right hand to the forehead. It also means to honor or acknowledge a person, achievement, or contribution, as in statements that praise contributors or commemorate a life. The word commonly appears in military ceremonies, civic events, tributes, and expressions of admiration. Its traditional sense is highly formal, but contemporary uses such as “salute the innovators” are also used in public, journalistic, and promotional contexts. An interjection such as “salute!” can express respect or enthusiastic approval. The term ultimately comes from a Latin word associated with health, safety, and well-being, so it carries both ceremonial respect and the idea of wishing someone good fortune.
To greet someone formally with a respectful gesture, especially by raising the right hand to the forehead in a military manner.
"The guards saluted the visiting dignitary."
The traditional gesture is chiefly associated with military and ceremonial contexts.
To honor, acknowledge, or express admiration for someone or something.
"The ceremony saluted the contributions of local volunteers."
A formal greeting or gesture of respect, especially one made by raising the right hand to the forehead in a military manner.
"He gave the guard a respectful salute."
The noun is common in military, ceremonial, and commemorative descriptions.
An expression used to offer a respectful or enthusiastic greeting or acknowledgment.
"Salute the teams for an outstanding season!"
Plural salutes refers to multiple greetings, gestures of respect, or acknowledgments.
"The dignitary received salutes from people across the city."
From the Latin word for health and well-being, a salute originally expressed the hope that someone would be safe and flourishing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does salute come from?
The word entered English in the early 16th century from French salut, from Latin salutare, “to greet, wish health to, or hail.” Latin salus meant health, welfare, and safety, and also gave rise to salutation, a greeting or expression of goodwill. The military gesture developed from earlier forms of respectful greeting, while modern figurative uses emphasize honor, recognition, and praise.
Related word forms
How salute is actually used
The word is formal and especially common in military, ceremonial, and commemorative contexts. In modern praise-based uses, it can sound enthusiastic or celebratory, while the traditional military sense remains distinctly formal.
Easily confused with salute
A salutation is a greeting or respectful expression of goodwill, whereas to salute is an action performed, such as greeting someone formally or raising the hand.