halloa
Definition
Interjection:
- A shout of greeting: "halloa" is used as an exclamation to attract attention, express surprise, or greet someone.
- A call to animals: It can also be used as a shout to urge on hounds or horses during hunting.
Noun:
- A shout or cry: "halloa" refers to the sound of shouting, especially a loud call used to attract attention or in hunting.
Verb:
- To shout or call out: "halloa" means to utter a loud cry, typically to greet someone, attract attention, or urge on animals.
Usage Examples
Interjection:
- Halloa! Is anyone there? (A shout used to get attention.)
- Halloa, what have we here? (An expression of surprise.)
Noun:
- We heard a halloa from across the field. (A loud shout from a distance.)
- The hunter gave a halloa to the dogs. (A call directed at hunting animals.)
Verb:
- He halloaed to his friend from the window. (He shouted a greeting or call.)
- The riders halloaed at the hounds to speed them up. (They shouted to urge the dogs forward.)
Advanced Usage
"to halloa after someone": to shout in pursuit or as a farewell.
- She halloaed after the departing carriage. (She shouted as it moved away.)
"halloa and hurrah": expressions of excitement or encouragement, often used in hunting contexts.
- The crowd gave a halloa and hurrah when the winner crossed the finish line. (Loud shouts of support.)
Variants and Related Words
Halloo (n/v): a variant spelling of "halloa," meaning the same shout or call.
- He let out a loud halloo in the forest. (A loud shout.)
Hallo (interj): a less common variant, similar to "hello," used as a greeting.
- Hallo! Nice to see you. (A friendly greeting.)
Synonyms
- Shout (n/v): a loud cry or call.
- Whoop (n/v): a loud, excited cry.
- Cry (n/v): a loud utterance, often to attract attention.
Phrasal Verbs
- Halloa out: to shout loudly to be heard.
- He halloaed out across the canyon. (He shouted loudly over a distance.)
Related Idioms
- Not a halloa: no sound or response at all.
- There was not a halloa from the empty house. (Complete silence.)