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.
Rajoub was pressed multiple times in the mixed zone on whether the handshake was pre-planned. Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026 The royal’s meandering walk was punctuated by handshakes with Justice Stephen Breyer and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine. Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026 The handshake lasted roughly 10 seconds. Veronica Bravo, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026 But a recent settlement with Warner could mean more boardroom handshakes are imminent. Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 29 Apr. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Handshake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handshake. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

handshake

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

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