Hooray Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈhʊəreɪ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Interjection

Definition

An expression of joy, triumph, or celebration, often used to express enthusiasm or approval.

Examples

• The crowd erupted in cheers and hoorays as the home team scored the winning goal.
• She let out a loud hooray when she heard the news that she got the job.

Synonyms

• Cheer
• Hurrah

Antonyms

• Boo
• Jeer

Additional Information

Hooray is often used in informal settings, such as sports events or parties, to express excitement or celebration. It can also be used in more formal settings, such as award ceremonies or graduations, to express congratulations or approval.

In addition to its use as an interjection, hooray can also be used as a noun to refer to a cheer or a celebration. For example, “The team’s hooray was heard throughout the stadium as they won the championship.”

Hooray is often used in combination with other words or phrases to add emphasis or excitement. For example, “Hooray for our team!” or “Hooray for the winner!”

Etymology

The word “hooray” is thought to have originated in the mid-19th century, possibly as a variant of the word “hurrah.” It is believed to have come from the Old English word “herian,” which means “to praise” or “to cheer.”

Usage Notes

Hooray is often used in informal settings, but it can also be used in more formal settings to add a touch of excitement or celebration. It is generally used to express enthusiasm or approval, but it can also be used to express irony or sarcasm.

Cultural References

Hooray has been used in a variety of cultural references, including in music, film, and literature. For example, the song “Hooray for Hollywood” was written in 1937 and has since become a classic of American popular culture.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Hooray for [someone or something]
• Three cheers and a hooray

Related Words or Phrases

• Cheer
• Hurrah
• Applause

Collocations

• Hooray for [someone or something]
• A loud hooray
• A hooray of approval

Frequency of Use

Hooray is a relatively common word in modern language, often used in informal settings to express excitement or celebration. It is also used in more formal settings to add a touch of enthusiasm or approval.

Common Misspellings

• Huray
• Horray
• Hoorey