What does hollering mean?
Hollering means shouting loudly, often to attract attention, protest something, or express an intense emotion such as excitement, anger, or distress. The word is especially common in informal North American English and conveys a sound that is forceful, unrestrained, and likely to be heard from a distance. It can also be used as a noun for a loud shout or cry, although the plural form is uncommon and the singular gerund is often more natural. Typical contexts include someone hollering for help, a crowd hollering in celebration, or a person telling another to stop hollering. Because it describes an unmistakably loud vocal act, hollering often has a dramatic or slightly impatient quality. The related noun and verb form, holler, is the more common way to refer to the action or the sound itself.
To shout loudly, especially to attract attention or express strong emotion.
"She began hollering for someone to help her."
Informal and especially common in North American English.
A loud shout or cry.
"His hollering brought everyone running toward the gate."
Usually informal; the plural form is uncommon.
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon; the singular is normally used when referring to an instance of shouting.
"The confused hollerings continued throughout the night."
Holler carries an unmistakably vivid image: a voice raised loud enough to be heard across a field, street, or crowded room.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hollering come from?
Holler is chiefly North American in use and became established during the 19th century. It is related to forms such as hallo, halloo, and holla, all of which ultimately belong to a family of calls used to attract attention. The exact development of the American form is not entirely certain, but its meaning as a loud shout or cry is firmly established.
Related word forms
How hollering is actually used
Holler is informal and strongly associated with North American speech. It often suggests an emphatic or emotionally loud manner of speaking rather than the measured use of the voice.
Easily confused with hollering
Hollering involves making a loud shout, whereas hollow describes something empty inside or lacking substance.