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.
Now Veronia is 6, the handshake is a treasured part of the family’s morning routine. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025 One’s impression is suddenly modified by the casual strength his handshake conveys, and rightly so, for beneath the elegant lines of his suit are hidden a hard body and the stamina of 10 battalions. Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025 Sanders and son Shedeur were testy with Norvell during the postgame handshake at Folsom Field, after Norvell commented on Coach Prime's penchant for wearing sunglasses and a hat during interviews. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025 Paul goes to shake her hand but jerks it back, then gives her a left-handed handshake. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handshake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handshake. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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

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