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.
Trust is no longer confined to a handshake or a signature on a page. — Keith Krach, Fortune, 3 July 2026 The rise of the handshake did not precipitate the loss of hat-doffing. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 Amid the postgame handshakes, González showered Roberts with bubble gum. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 Over the next hour, the men rotate from model to model, testing cold approaches, handshakes and the art of asking questions. — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 27 June 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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on handshake

Nglish: Translation of handshake for Spanish Speakers

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