—used to express contempt or disapproval or to startle or frighten
plural boos
1
: a shout of disapproval or contempt
2
: any utterance at all
—usually used in negative constructions
never said boo
booed; booing; boos
: to deride especially by uttering a prolonged boo
: to express disapproval of by booing
the crowd booed the referee
plural boos
US slang
: a romantic partner : sweetheart, honey
Your parents might keep a sharp eye on potential partners and your besties may lay down difficult "friend tests," but only one real opinion on your new boo truly matters: what your dog thinks of them.—
Jaime Lees
Jaime LeesThis has left me skeptical of all new relationships—including my new boo.—Griffin Wynne
Griffin WynneExamples of boo in a Sentence
Noun (1)
A chorus of boos was heard after the shot missed the goal.
The announcement was greeted by a mixture of boos and cheers.
Verb
Many people in the crowd booed when the announcement was made.
Many people in the crowd booed the announcement, but a few people cheered it.
Recent Examples on the Web
Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Highlights include a costume parade (for kids and parents), a Purim story and boo Haman and songs.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024
Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
His adventure resulted in him getting the bat, bringing cheers, being escorted out by security, bringing boos, and then returning to his seat, bringing a loud ovation and high-fiving from fellow fans.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
Dara Kam, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
Earlier this week, Trump raised eyebrows during a speech at Fort Bragg when members of the 82nd Airborne Division, who were directed to stand behind Trump, booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks, including condemnation of his predecessor Joe Biden.
—Lolita C. Baldor, Arkansas Online, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for boo
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Interjection
Williams also recalled witnessing the Super Bowl crowd boo Taylor Swift when she was shown on the jumbotron cheering on her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Highlights include a costume parade (for kids and parents), a Purim story and boo Haman and songs.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024
Noun
But Cody Rhodes quickly became the de facto heel by exploiting Orton’s back injury early in the match, which garnered boos.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
His adventure resulted in him getting the bat, bringing cheers, being escorted out by security, bringing boos, and then returning to his seat, bringing a loud ovation and high-fiving from fellow fans.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
Verb
Opposition to Johnson’s selection was evident before Wednesday’s unanimous board vote, as members of the audience booed when her nomination was introduced.
—Dara Kam, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
Earlier this week, Trump raised eyebrows during a speech at Fort Bragg when members of the 82nd Airborne Division, who were directed to stand behind Trump, booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks, including condemnation of his predecessor Joe Biden.
—Lolita C. Baldor, Arkansas Online, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for boo
Cite this Entry
“Boo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boo. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
boo
1 of 2 interjection
—used to express contempt or disapproval or to startle or frighten
boo
2 of 2 noun
plural boos
1
: a shout of disapproval or contempt
2
: any sound at all
never said boo
boo
verb
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