used especially as a greeting
just called to say hi

HI

2 of 2

abbreviation

1
Hawaii
2
high intensity
3
humidity index

Examples of hi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Interjection
Have thoughts, feedback on this newsletter, or just want to say hi? Ronnie Li, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026 Those trainers, moms, and daughters evidently also crowded in to say hi the night before the ceremony. Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026 And the wives would be like, ‘Mhm, hi, nice to meet you. Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026 And, of course, the brand’s ambery-woody notes (hi, sandalwood and cedarwood) are the cherry on top. Lily Wohlner, Allure, 12 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hi

Word History

Etymology

Interjection

Middle English hy

First Known Use

Interjection

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hi was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hi. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

hi

interjection
used especially as a greeting

Medical Definition

HI

abbreviation
hemagglutination inhibition

More from Merriam-Webster on hi

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