boo

verb

booed; booing; boos

intransitive verb

: to deride especially by uttering a prolonged boo

transitive verb

: to express disapproval of by booing

the crowd booed the referee

Examples of boo in a Sentence

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

The same crowd booed when council members mentioned the growing popularity of artificial intelligence. —Mary Ramsey updated June 8, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026

The erstwhile New York resident was loudly and vigorously booed by the hometown crowd as he was shown on the jumbotron of the legendary arena. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 June 2026

In societies with robust musical traditions, negative reactions — booing, whistling, calling for punishment — may be expressed. —Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2026

There is quite a big chance Trump will be booed. —Miami Herald, 8 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

derivative of boo entry 2

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing boo

• boo-boo
• boo-hoo

Rhymes for boo

• blew
• blue
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew
• do

Kids Definition

boo

1 of 2 interjection

ˈbü 

—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