\ ˈhāl
\
\
Definition of hail
(Entry 1 of 5)
1
: precipitation in the form of small balls or lumps usually consisting of concentric layers of clear ice and compact snow
2
: something that gives the effect of a shower of hail
a hail of rifle fire
hail
verb (1)
hailed; hailing; hails
Definition of hail (Entry 2 of 5)
1
: to precipitate hail (see hail entry 1)
it was hailing hard
2
: to pour down or strike like hail
Bullets were hailing down on them.
hail
verb (2)
hailed; hailing; hails
Definition of hail (Entry 3 of 5)
1a
: to greet with enthusiastic approval : acclaim
hailed as a great success
2
: to greet or summon by calling
hail a taxi
: to call out
especially
: to call a greeting to a passing ship
hail from
: to be or have been native to or a resident of
She hails from Chicago.
hail
interjectionDefinition of hail (Entry 4 of 5)
1
—used to express acclamation hail to the chief— Sir Walter Scott
2
archaic
—used as a salutation
hail
noun (2)Definition of hail (Entry 5 of 5)
1
: an exclamation of greeting or acclamation
greeted the emperor with a hail
2
: a calling to attract attention
3
: hearing distance
stayed within hail
Other Words from hail
Verb (2)
hailer
\
ˈhā-lər
\
noun
\
noun
Synonyms & Antonyms for hail
Synonyms: Noun (1)
Synonyms: Verb (2)
Synonyms: Noun (2)
Antonyms: Verb (2)
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From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
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Cite this Entry
“Hail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hail. Accessed 11 Aug. 2022.
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More Definitions for hail
hail
noun
\ ˈhāl
\
\
Kids Definition of hail
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
: small lumps of ice and snow that fall from the clouds sometimes during thunderstorms
2
: volley entry 1 sense 1
a hail of bullets
hail
verb
hailed; hailing
Kids Definition of hail (Entry 2 of 3)
1
: to fall as hail
It's hailing hard.
2
: to pour down like hail
Confetti hailed on the parade.
hail
verb
hailed; hailing
Kids Definition of hail (Entry 3 of 3)
1
: greet sense 1, welcome
The town hailed the returning soldiers.
2
: to call out to
I'll hail a taxi.
hail from
: to come from
She hails from Oklahoma.
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Time Traveler for hail
The first known use of hail was before the 12th century
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