greet

1 of 2

verb (1)

ˈgrēt 

greeted; greeting; greets

transitive verb

1

: to address with expression of kind wishes upon meeting or arrival

greeted guests at the door

2

a

: to meet or react to in a specified manner

greeted him with boos

b

: to occur as a response to

apathy greeted the plan

3

: to appear to the perception of

a surprising sight greeted her eyes

greeter noun

greet

2 of 2

verb (2)

grat ˈgrat  ; grutten ˈgrə-tᵊn 

intransitive verb

Scotland

: weep, lament

Examples of greet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

As the Chiefs headed out of the stadium on Sunday, Nov. 24 after securing a win over the Panthers with a score of 30-27, a young Chiefs fan attempted to lean over the railing and greet the players. —Danielle Jennings, People.com, 26 Nov. 2024

Fans that flew into Kansas City’s MCI airport were greeted with rows of KC Current merchandise displays, featured just as prominently as merchandise for the City’s men’s sports teams. —Caroline Fitzgerald, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024

Some people would greet us warmly with offers of coffee and cookies. —Sachin Hansen, The Denver Post, 25 Nov. 2024

He was then greeted with hugs, each one full of relief, from several of his new teammates. —Nate Taylor, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English greten, from Old English grētan; akin to Old English grǣtan to weep

Verb (2)

Middle English greten, from Old English grǣtan; akin to Old Norse grāta to weep

First Known Use

Verb (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing greet

• meet and greet

Kids Definition

greet

verb

ˈgrēt

1

: to address upon arrival or meeting with expressions of kind wishes

greeted guests at the door

2

: to meet or react to in a specified manner

greeted with cheers

3

: to appear or present itself to

a surprising sight greeted her eyes

greeter noun