# salute

/səˈɫut/ (US) · /səlˈuːt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/salute
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. military gesture

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. to praise or honour

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. formal gesture

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. ceremonial display

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The soldier gave a sharp salute as the general walked past.
- During the ceremony, every officer stood at attention and offered a formal salute while the national anthem played.
- The tradition of the military salute is thought to have originated from medieval knights raising their visors to identify themselves to one another, signaling a lack of hostile intent.

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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.