whoop

play

verb \ˈhüp, ˈhu̇p, ˈhwüp, ˈhwu̇p, ˈwüp, ˈwu̇p\

Definition of whoop

intransitive verb
1 : to utter a whoop in expression of eagerness, enthusiasm, or enjoyment : shout
2 : to utter the cry or call of an animal (such as an owl or gibbon)
3 : to make the characteristic whoop of whooping cough
4a : to go or pass with a loud noiseb : to be rushed through by acclamation or with noisy support the bill whooped through both houses
transitive verb
1a : to utter or express with a whoopb : to urge, drive, or cheer on with a whoop
2 : to agitate in behalf of
3 : raise, boost whoop up the price

Middle English whopen, houpen, from Anglo-French huper, of imitative origin

NEW!

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

noun

1a : a loud yell expressive of eagerness, exuberance, or jubilation —often used interjectionallyb : a shout of hunters or of people in battle or pursuit
2 : the loud cry or call of an animal (such as an owl, whooping crane, or gibbon) that resembles the sound of the word whoop
3 : the crowing intake of breath following a paroxysm in whooping cough
4 : a minimum amount or degree : the least bit not worth a whoop

let out a whoop of joy
he acts so rudely that I doubt he gives a whoop about other people's feelings

14th century

play

verb

noun

play

verb \ˈhüp, ˈhu̇p\

;

1 : to shout or cheer loudly and strongly “It's the men from camp,” the judge said. “They're searching for us.” We started whooping. — Wilson Rawls, Where the Red Fern Grows
2 : to make the high-pitched gasping sound that follows a coughing attack in whooping cough