Pronunciation

/həˈloʊ/

Definitions

• Noun: A term used to greet or address someone; a friendly expression of recognition. For example: “She offered a friendly hello to the passerby.”
• Verb: To express greeting or acknowledge someone’s presence; to initiate communication. For example: “He greeted his colleagues with a hearty hello.”
• Interjection: A concise expression of salutation or surprise; an exclamation of recognition. For example: “Oh, hello there! I didn’t expect to see you.”

Phrases

• “Give someone a hello” means to initiate a friendly interaction.
• “Hello, my friend” is a familiar way to greet a pal.
• “Hello, old chap” is a British informal way to address a male acquaintance.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “Her smile was a warm hello to her old classmates.”
• Verb: “He stopped by to hello his neighbor on his way home.”
• Interjection: “Hello, dear! How’s it going?”

Synonyms

• Hi
• Hey
• Greetings
• Salutations
• Hola
• Ahoy
• Yo (informal, often used as a greeting between friends)
• Howdy (informal, mainly Southern American)