What is the meaning of how-do-you-do?

noun

  • An awkward situation.
    • usage: "that's a fine how-d'ye-do"
  • An expression of greeting.
    • usage: "every morning they exchanged polite hellos"
WordNet 3.0 © 2006 by Princeton University
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APAWordNet. (2010). how-do-you-do. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/how-do-you-do/definitions/1325536
ChicagoWordNet. 2010. "how-do-you-do" http://smartdefine.org/how-do-you-do/definitions/1325536 (accessed September 20, 2026).
HarvardWordNet 2010, how-do-you-do, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/how-do-you-do/definitions/1325536>.
MLAWordNet. "how-do-you-do" 23 October 2010. Web. 20 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/how-do-you-do/definitions/1325536>