an act of honor or courteous recognition
"a musical salute to the composer on his birthday"
a formal military gesture of respect
"The officer stood at attention and snapped to salute as the general walked past on review day."
an act of greeting with friendly words and gestures like bowing or lifting the hat
"When the old sailor passed by in his naval uniform, he stopped to salute every resident on the street corner."
An utterance or gesture expressing greeting or honor towards someone, now especially a formal, non-verbal gesture made with the arms or hands in any of various specific positions.
"The soldier snapped his arm straight up to salute the flag as it passed by during the parade."
honor with a military ceremony, as when honoring dead soldiers
"The town gathered for a solemn salute to honor the fallen soldiers who gave their lives in the war."
To make a gesture in honor of (someone or something).
"The crowd stood up and saluted the retiring captain as he walked off the field."