handshake

noun

hand·​shake ˈhan(d)-ˌshāk How to pronounce handshake (audio)
: a clasping usually of right hands by two people (as in greeting or farewell)

Examples of handshake in a Sentence

She greeted him with a handshake. He has a firm handshake.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Williams heads directly to the middle of the circle and engages in his personalized handshake with Miles Bridges, leading to an unmistakable smirk. — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2025 That’s mostly true, but booking a hotel room there is the secret handshake that’ll get you in the door. — Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 But amid the handshakes and shamrocks, some sharp differences on this issue may arise. — Emmet Lyons, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2025 Footage of the pair in the UK capital has also surfaced online, as two actors are seen preparing to cross the street as an excited fan approaches and receives a handshake from Jordan. — Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for handshake

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of handshake was in 1802

Phrases Containing handshake

Rhymes for handshake

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Browse Nearby Words

handshake
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Cite this Entry

“Handshake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handshake. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

handshake

noun
hand·​shake -ˌshāk How to pronounce handshake (audio)
: a clasping of hands by two people especially in greeting or farewell

More from Merriam-Webster on handshake

Nglish: Translation of handshake for Spanish Speakers

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