Handshake Meaning
/ˈhæn(d)ˌʃeɪk/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe grasping of hands by two people when greeting, leave-taking, or making an agreement.
nounAn exchange of signals between two devices when communications begin in order to ensure synchronization.
Sentence Examples
He has a good firm handshake.
He put out his hand to me for a handshake.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The two competitors exchanged a firm ____ before the match.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The two business partners finalized the deal with a firm ____ and a friendly smile.
Word Origin & History
From hand + shake. See the appendix for the history of the gesture itself.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Eccles' handshake, eager and practiced and hard, seems to symbolize for him an embrace. For an instant Rabbit fears he will never let go."
— 1960, John Updike, 'Rabbit, Run', page 88:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The two competitors exchanged a firm ____ before the match.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The two business partners finalized the deal with a firm ____ and a friendly smile.