Word
greeting
Phoneticsgreet·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɹitɪŋ/
UK/ɡɹˈiːtɪŋ/
Definitions
01saying hello
A1 · Beginner Countable noun
n. something you say or do to welcome someone or say hello.
n. a polite word or sign of welcome or recognition.
“She gave me a warm greeting when I arrived at her house.”
“The host offered a formal greeting to each guest as they entered the ballroom, ensuring everyone felt acknowledged before the ceremony began.”
02opening of a letter
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. the words you use at the beginning of a letter or email, like 'Dear Sam'.
n. the conventional phrase used to open a written communication.
“The greeting in a business email should usually be professional.”
“Choosing an appropriate greeting for a cover letter is essential, as 'To whom it may concern' can sometimes feel too impersonal for modern recruiters.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03a message of good wishes
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. a message that sends good wishes, often found in a card.
n. an expression of good wishes or regards, typically pluralised when sent via a card or message.
“We sent our birthday greetings to him by mail.”
“The card contained seasonal greetings from the entire department, wishing the retired professor a peaceful winter holiday.”
Usage
Often used in the plural form 'greetings' in cards or formal messages.
Etymology
By surface analysis, greet + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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