What does whoop mean?
“Whoop” is a short, expressive word for a loud cry, shout, or burst of excitement. As an interjection, it is used to communicate sudden delight, triumph, surprise, or encouragement, often in a situation where a group shares the emotion: “Whoop! We won!” As a verb, it describes crying or shouting loudly, particularly with joy or excitement: “The crowd whooped when the winning goal was scored.” As a noun, a “whoop” is an individual loud cry or shout. The word is informal and energetic rather than formal, and its one-syllable form makes it especially effective for expressing spontaneous reaction. It can also be used in the established phrase “whoop it up,” meaning to celebrate noisily. Although “whoop” and “hoop” may sound identical, their meanings are unrelated: a hoop is a ring or rounded object.
An expression of sudden delight, triumph, excitement, or encouragement.
"“Whoop! That was an amazing result!”"
Informal and strongly expressive; often used in celebration.
To cry or shout loudly, especially in excitement, celebration, or enthusiasm.
"The fans whooped as the team entered the final."
Usually intransitive and informal; the pronunciation can suggest a drawn-out, exuberant cry.
A loud cry or shout, especially one expressing excitement or joy.
"A whoop of joy came from the crowd."
Generally used for an individual cry or shout, often in a celebratory context.
The plural refers to separate loud cries or shouts. “Whoops” can also function as an interjection expressing mild surprise, embarrassment, or regret.
"The audience gave several whoops when the performance ended."
One syllable can change the atmosphere: “Whoop!” turns quiet excitement into a collective shout.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does whoop come from?
The word is an imitative formation, reproducing the sound of a loud cry or shout. It is attested in English from the late medieval period, with the modern spelling developing through later variants. Its interjective use developed in contexts of excitement, celebration, triumph, or encouragement, while the verb and noun preserve the older sense of a loud cry.
Related word forms
How whoop is actually used
The interjection and the common expression “whoop it up” are informal and generally enthusiastic. As a verb, “whoop” can suggest a loud, unrestrained cry and may be used in sporting, celebratory, or excited contexts.
Easily confused with whoop
A hoop is a ring or rounded object, whereas a whoop is a loud cry or an expression of excitement.