Meaning

A greeting (salutation) said when meeting someone or acknowledging someone’s arrival or presence..

Definitions by Sense

1. A greeting (salutation) said when meeting someone or acknowledging someone’s arrival or presence.
2. A greeting used when answering the telephone.
3. A call for response if it is not clear if anyone is present or listening, or if a telephone conversation may have been disconnected.
4. (colloquial) Used sarcastically to imply that the person addressed has done something the speaker considers to be foolish, or missed something that should have been obvious.
5. (chiefly UK) An expression of puzzlement or discovery.
6. "Hello!" or an equivalent greeting.
7. (transitive) To greet with "hello".

Example Sentences

Hello, everyone.

Hello? How may I help you?

Hello. This is Marsha. ― Yes, Marsha.

Hello? Is anyone there?

I made a speaking trumpet of my hands and commenced to whoop “Ahoy!” and “Hello!” at the top of my lungs. […] The Colonel woke up, and, after asking what in brimstone was the matter, opened his mouth and roared “Hi!” and “Hello!” like the bull of Bashan.

You just tried to start your car with your cell phone. Hello?

Uh, hello? We're using a CANNON to get to the moon? Isn't that, like, dangerous?

Hello! What’s going on here?

Word Forms

• hallo
• hilloa
• hullo
• hellos
• helloes
• helloing
• helloed

Synonyms for hello

Antonyms for hello

Related Words

When Should You Use Hello?

Use hello when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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Frequently Asked Questions