Halloo
/həˈluː/noun
A loud cry used to attract attention, urge on hounds, or express surprise.
Did you know?Halloo is historically tied to the same shouting family as “holla” and “hollo,” and in older English it was used like a verbal spell to summon attention across fields and forests.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
halow
“A loud cry or call to attract attention.”
16th Century
English
hallo
“A shout used to call out, urge on, or startle.”
16th Century
English
hollo
“A hunting cry or shout to encourage dogs or drive game.”
17th Century
English
halloo
“A variant spelling and pronunciation of a loud cry or call.”
Modern English
English
halloo
“A loud cry used to attract attention or express excitement.”