What does halloo mean?
Halloo is an old-fashioned English call, shout, or greeting used chiefly to attract attention or hail someone. As a verb, it means to cry out loudly, often in greeting or in answer to a signal; as a noun, it denotes the call itself, and “Halloo!” can serve as an exclamation. The word is especially associated with hunting: a hunter or huntsman shouted “halloo” when quarry was sighted, and the cry helped announce the find. Today the expression is uncommon in everyday speech, where hello, hey, or shout usually sound more natural, but it survives in literature, historical writing, and occasional stylized dialogue. Its old-fashioned sound gives it a lively, traditional quality, while its direct sense remains clear. Halloo should not be confused with hallow, which means to make holy or sanctify, nor with hello, a modern greeting.
A loud cry or call used to attract attention, hail someone, or announce the sighting of quarry.
"His halloo echoed across the valley."
The noun is now literary or historical in ordinary use.
To call or shout loudly in order to attract attention, greet someone, or announce the sighting of quarry.
"The huntsman hallooed when the fox broke cover."
The verb retains a particularly strong association with hunting cries.
An exclamation used to hail someone or call for attention.
"Halloo! Has anyone seen my dog?"
This use sounds deliberately old-fashioned or literary.
The regular plural is used for individual cries or calls.
"Distant halloos echoed through the forest."
Halloo once carried the hunt: when the quarry was sighted, the hunter's cry rang across the countryside.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does halloo come from?
Halloo appeared in English in the early 17th century, chiefly as a call or hunting cry. It is usually treated as a variant of hollo, while the ultimate source of this family of interjections remains uncertain. Related forms such as French hallo and holà are associated with hailing, calling attention, or summoning someone.
Related word forms
How halloo is actually used
Halloo sounds old-fashioned and literary and is much less common than hello, hey, or shout in ordinary conversation. Its hunting association remains its most distinctive traditional use.
Easily confused with halloo
Hello is a modern greeting, whereas halloo is an old-fashioned shout used to hail someone or attract attention.
Hallow means to make holy or sanctify, while halloo is a call, shout, or greeting.