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.
While the players pull up socks, lace their boots and catch up with each other, head coach Ryan Pore enters, greeting each of them — one after another — with a handshake. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026 Rather than physically moving barrels around, trading had moved from handshakes to paper. — Brian C. Black, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026 Indian cricketers have avoided handshakes with Pakistan players, and have refused to accept the trophy and medals from a Pakistani official at more than one tournament. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026 Union stalwarts representing steelworkers, utility workers, construction workers and others greeted the 73-year-old Democrat with resounding cheers and endless handshakes. — Andrea Hsu, NPR, 2 Oct. 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

Phrases Containing handshake

Rhymes for handshake

See All Rhymes for handshake

Browse Nearby Words

hands-free
handshake
handshaker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handshake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handshake. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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
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