hello

noun

hel·​lo hə-ˈlō How to pronounce hello (audio)
he-
plural hellos
: an expression or gesture of greeting
used interjectionally in greeting, in answering the telephone, or to express surprise
hello there
waved hello

Examples of hello in a Sentence

They welcomed us with a warm hello. we said our hellos and got right down to business
Recent Examples on the Web Cheadle moves with ease, as smooth as the jazz playing over the speakers, ensuring all present get a personal hello. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 6 Sep. 2024 The two greeted their mom with a hello before sending separate messages. Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 2 Aug. 2024 Rather than bonding over complaints about bin night or suburb gossip, these small friendships were built out of waves, smiles, and quick hellos in passing. Gyan Yankovich, refinery29.com, 23 Jan. 2024 So what if my personal imperatives mean rummaging in a cardboard box on the sidewalk while my dog tugs on her leash and the occasional passing car toots a hello? Owen Thomas, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for hello 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hello.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

alteration of hollo

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hello was in 1834

Dictionary Entries Near hello

Cite this Entry

“Hello.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hello. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

hello

noun
hel·​lo hə-ˈlō How to pronounce hello (audio)
he-
plural hellos
: an expression or gesture of greeting
used in greeting, in answering the telephone, or to express surprise

More from Merriam-Webster on hello

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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