Ciao - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT ciao /tʃaʊ/ /tʃaʊ/ IPA guide

When you greet a friend informally, you can use the word ciao. You might call out, "Ciao!"and wave as your brother steps off the train at the station.

While ciao, pronounced "chow," is a casual Italian salutation that can mean both "hello" and "goodbye," most English speakers understand it as well. You can say, "Ciao, Grandma!" when your favorite grandparent comes to visit, or wave goodbye to a departing neighbor and yell, "Ciao!" The word is a shortened version of the formal Italian schiavo, "your obedient servant," or literally, "I am your slave."

Definitions of ciao

noun an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is Hawaiian and ciao is Italian) synonyms: aloha see moresee less type of: acknowledgement, acknowledgment a statement acknowledging something or someone

Pronunciation US /tʃaʊ/ UK /tʃaʊ/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘ciao'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing ciao

Scrabble: Four-Letter Words with 3 Vowels

When more than half your Scrabble rack is filled with vowels, it can be hard to figure out your next play. Don't worry because we've got you covered! This list of 4-letter words with three vowels can help you reset your luck and make a comeback. Check out our other lists in the collection: High Scoring Words Two-Letter Words Four-Letter Words with 3 Vowels Words with 5 Vowels Words with no Vowels Words that Start with Q Words with Q without U Words that Start with X Palindromes

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