# namaste

/ˈnɑmɑˌsteɪ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Interjection

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/namaste
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a greeting used in India and by people who practice yoga. You say it to show respect and to wish someone well.

For teachers: a greeting or salutation used in India and among practitioners of yoga, typically accompanied by a prayer gesture. Often used as a polite closing in professional or social correspondence.

## Examples

- She greeted the yoga class with a quiet namaste.
- After the final pose in the session, the instructor led the students in a collective namaste to show gratitude.
- While traditionally a formal greeting in South Asian cultures, namaste has been widely adopted in global wellness circles as a symbol of universal respect and spiritual connection.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.