helloexclamation, noun
uk/heˈləʊ/us/heˈloʊ/also mainly UK hallo, hulloA1 used when meeting or greeting someone:
Hello, Paul. I haven't seen you for ages.
I know her vaguely - we've exchanged hellos a few times.
I just thought I'd call by and say hello.
And a big hello (= welcome) to all the parents who've come to see the show.
A1 something that is said at the beginning of a phone conversation:
"Hello, I'd like some information about flights to the US, please."
something that is said to attract someone's attention:
The front door was open so she walked inside and called out, "Hello! Is there anybody in?"
informal said to someone who has just said or done something stupid, especially something that shows they are not noticing what is happening:
She asked me if I'd just arrived and I was like "Hello, I've been here for an hour."
old-fashioned an expression of surprise:
Hello, this is very strange - I know that man.
More examples
- Cathy poked her head round the door to say hello.
- When he said hello, I felt my face turn bright red.
- Hello - could I speak to Ann, please?
- After we'd said our hellos, it all went quiet and nobody knew what to do.
- Oh, hello - what are you doing in here?
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Welcoming, greeting & greetings
- afternoon
- air kiss
- air kiss
- aloha
- bon voyage
- bye
- ciao
- good afternoon
- good evening
- goodbye
- greeting
- happy
- pump sb's hand idiom
- receive
- salaam
- see/catch you later! idiom
- shake
- so long idiom
- stranger
- wotcha
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Linguistics: interjections
Meeting people