What does "salute" mean?

1. (military gesture) to make a formal sign of respect with your hand, especially in the army or navy. 2. (to praise or honour) to publicly praise or thank someone for doing something brave or important. 3. (formal gesture) a formal movement of the hand or body to show respect. 4. (ceremonial display) a display of respect using loud noises, like firing cannons or guns.

How do you use "salute"?

The verb is often used intransitively or with a direct object representing a person of higher rank.

salute

v. · n.

US //səˈɫut// UK //səlˈuːt// salute

1 military gesture (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to make a formal sign of respect with your hand, especially in the army or navy.

to perform a formal hand gesture or body movement as a sign of respect or recognition within a hierarchical organisation.

Example

The young soldier stood at attention and saluted the officer as she walked past.

Example

According to protocol, the junior officer must salute first and maintain the position until the superior officer acknowledges the gesture.

Usage

The verb is often used intransitively or with a direct object representing a person of higher rank.
- greet
- honour
2 to praise or honour (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

to publicly praise or thank someone for doing something brave or important.

to express public praise, admiration, or gratitude for a person's achievements or qualities.

Example

We salute the brave firefighters who worked through the night to save the town.

Example

The prime minister's speech saluted the tireless efforts of the medical researchers whose breakthrough saved countless lives during the crisis.
- criticise
- condemn

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3 formal gesture (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a formal movement of the hand or body to show respect.

a specific physical gesture, such as raising the hand to the forehead, used to show respect or acknowledge a superior.

Example

The guard gave a sharp salute as the president's car entered the gates.

Example

The sergeant returned the salute with a crisp, practiced motion before dismissing the platoon for the afternoon.
- greeting
- tribute
4 ceremonial display (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Military

a display of respect using loud noises, like firing cannons or guns.

a ceremonial discharge of firearms or artillery intended as a mark of honour or a formal greeting.

Example

The ship fired a 21-gun salute as it arrived in the foreign harbour.

Example

The state funeral concluded with a three-volley salute, a tradition reserved for those who have served with particular distinction.
- volley
- tribute

Origin

Borrowed from Latin salūtō (“to greet; to wish health to”), from salūs (“greeting, good health”), related to salvus (“safe”).