What does hollered mean?
Hollered is the past tense and past participle of holler, meaning to shout loudly. It describes a voice raised to attract attention, communicate across a distance, protest, complain, or express excitement, fear, pain, or other strong feeling. The word is especially natural in urgent situations such as calling for help and in vivid accounts of sporting events or noisy gatherings. “Hollered” can also suggest a rough, unrestrained, or emotionally intense quality of speech rather than a controlled public address. Although often associated with informal American usage, it is understood in British and US English and is fully standard in contemporary dictionaries. In its various contexts, the word vividly conveys force and urgency: a person who hollered was not merely speaking but making a strong, audible call.
verbShouted loudly, especially in order to attract attention, express strong feeling, or communicate over a distance.
- Shouted loudly, especially to attract attention, express strong emotion, or communicate over a distance.
"She hollered across the street to get her brother's attention."
"The crowd hollered when the winning goal was scored."
"He hollered for help after the rope snapped."
One word can carry an entire street: a single loud holler may reach farther than a conversation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hollered come from?
The exact origin of holler is uncertain. The verb is recorded in American English, where it developed strong associations with loud, unrestrained shouting, while the word's ultimate historical source remains disputed. Its related noun use also developed from the idea of a loud cry or shout.
Related word forms
How hollered is actually used
Holler is informal and often conveys a loud, forceful, or emotionally charged voice. It is common in speech and informal writing, although dictionaries generally record it as standard English rather than a regional dialect form.
Easily confused with hollered
A person hollered loudly, whereas something was hollowed if it was made hollow or given a hollow shape.