Salaam Meaning
/səˈlɑːm/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
intjA respectful ceremonial greeting used mostly by Muslims.
nounA low bow as a ceremonial act of deference.
Sentence Examples
He greeted his old and dear friend with a warm salaam.
A salaam is a common and respectful greeting in many countries.
He bowed low and offered a polite salaam to the guest.
CEFR Practice Quiz
In many parts of the Middle East, people greet each other by saying ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The diplomat offered a respectful ____ as he greeted the visiting dignitaries.
Word Origin & History
From Arabic سَلَام (salām, “peace”). Doublet of shalom, a borrowing from Hebrew.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"[…] the finest dressed one entered first; put her two hands to her forehead, then to her breasts, and with her two hands touched the Colonel’s foot; this is called a grand salam […]"
— 1790, John MacDonald, Travels, in Various Parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, London: for the author, page 168:
"A turbaned Arab placed cigarettes and cups of coffee spiced with saffron before the customers, gave salaam and withdrew."
— 1914, Ernest Bramah, Max Carrados:
"The old gentleman made several deep salaams."
— 1921, Ruth Plumly Thompson, chapter 3, in The Royal Book of Oz, Chicago: Reilly & Lee:
"Mr. Tsoutsou and his wife appeared for just a moment to see how I was faring, commented bravely on the delicious, appetizing appearance of the skinned fish and disappeared with bows and salaams which sent an electric thrill through the assembled patrons of Herakleion’s most distinguished restaurant."
— 1942, Henry Miller, The Colossus of Maroussi, London: Secker & Warburg, Part Two, p. 112:
"[H]e went away salaaming, and protesting his friendship and his master’s goodwill."
— 1896, Joseph Conrad, chapter I, in An Outcast of the Islands, London: T. Fisher Unwin […], →OCLC, part III, page 176:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
In many parts of the Middle East, people greet each other by saying ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The diplomat offered a respectful ____ as he greeted the visiting dignitaries.