What does hit mean?
Hit is a highly versatile English word whose central idea is forceful contact or impact. As a verb, it can describe striking a target, reaching or touching something, affecting a person, achieving a goal, or scoring in a game. Its past tense and past participle are hit, and its -ing form is hitting. As a noun, a hit can be a blow, a successful performance, a popular song or film, or a notable achievement. In informal cultural contexts, “a hit” commonly means something that has achieved broad popularity. The word also appears in idioms such as “hit the road” and “hit the ground running,” where it can mean begin a journey or start an activity with great energy. Its usefulness lies in its ability to move easily from physical impact to metaphorical impact: an idea may hit an audience, a project may hit a deadline, or a song may become a hit.
To strike something with force, come into contact with it, or reach or affect it in some way.
"The car hit a barrier on the motorway."
The verb is used both literally and figuratively, as in “hit a target” and “hit a difficult issue.”
A blow or impact; a successful achievement; or a song, film, or other work that achieves popular success.
"The single was an international hit."
The cultural sense is informal but widely established in British and US English.
Successful, popular, or widely noticed, especially of a song, film, book, or other work.
"The broadcaster played several hit records during the evening."
This use is usually attributive and is common in music, entertainment, and publishing contexts.
Used for multiple blows or impacts, multiple successful works or achievements, and individual songs or recordings that achieve popular success.
"The artist's greatest hits appeared on the new compilation."
A hit can be a physical impact, a musical success, or a sudden appearance on the scene: the same word covers all three.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hit come from?
The modern English verb derives from Old English hittan, meaning “to strike, move against, or come into contact with.” Its precise prehistoric origin is not entirely certain, although it belongs to the Germanic vocabulary inherited into English. The noun developed from the verb, while later forms such as “hitter” and “hittable” were formed within English.
Related word forms
How hit is actually used
The word is informal and versatile when describing popular music, films, books, or other cultural works: a “hit” is generally more accessible and immediate than a “success.” In sports, “hit” may mean a successful base hit, while in music it often refers specifically to a song that receives substantial public attention or airplay. “Hit” is also used in many idioms, where its literal meaning may be only partly involved.