hype

1 of 5

noun (1)

1
: publicity
especially : promotional publicity of an extravagant or contrived kind
all the hype before the boxing match
2

hype

2 of 5

verb (1)

hyped; hyping

transitive verb

1
: to promote or publicize extravagantly
hyping this fall's TV lineup
2

hype

3 of 5

verb (2)

hyped; hyping

transitive verb

1
: stimulate, enliven
usually used with up
hyping herself up for the game
2
hyped-up adjective

hype

4 of 5

noun (2)

1
slang : a narcotics addict
2
slang : hypodermic

hype

5 of 5

adjective

slang

Examples of hype in a Sentence

Noun (1) the prelaunch hype for the new cell phone translated into phenomenal sales numbers on release day Verb (1) the auto company has been hyping its forthcoming line of hybrids for almost a year now Verb (2) the TV writers tried to hype interest in the fading soap opera with flashy new plotlines Noun (2) a derelict building that's now a shooting gallery for heroin hypes scattered inside the abandoned building were hypes and other signs of drug use Adjective a couple of the tracks on the album feature some really hype vocals
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.
Noun
While hype typically mounts around the release of Starbucks' holiday menu and collection, some people are saying they were let down by the lack of availability of the Bearista cup. Melina Khan, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025 And Manning has improved as the season has gone along, but he’s hardly played to the level the preseason hype (and his name) would have suggested. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
For years, K-pop fans wondered when a Grammy breakthrough would occur for the music style hyped and consumed around the world. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025 Kimmel was so hyped to discuss game seven. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
The Billikens are my post-hype breakout team. The Athletic College Basketball Staff, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025 Patrick Queen and Justin Madubuike looked like classic post-hype breakout candidates. Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 12 Sep. 2022 See All Example Sentences for hype

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

origin unknown

Noun (2)

by shortening & alteration from hypodermic

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1955, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb (1)

circa 1931, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb (2)

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1988, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hype was in 1924

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hype.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hype. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

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