English Reference

Word

salute

US/səˈɫut/

UK/səlˈuːt/

Definitions

01military gesture

B2 · Upper Intermediate

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

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

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

“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.

Synonyms

02to praise or honour

C1 · Advanced Formal

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

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

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

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

Antonyms

03formal gesture

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

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

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

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

“The sergeant returned the salute with a crisp, practiced motion before dismissing the platoon for the afternoon.”

Synonyms

04ceremonial display

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Military Formal

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

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

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

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

Synonyms

Real-World Examples

“Lionel Messi salutes his adoring fans after his final match for Argentina.”
The Guardian 7 Oct 2026
“Jair went so far as to salute the US flag.”
The Guardian 7 Oct 2026

Etymology

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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Idioms

Domains

MilitaryNautical

This entry

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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference