Hurrah
/hʊˈrɑː/noun
An exclamation of joy, approval, or encouragement.
Did you know?By the 18th–19th centuries, English had turned a shouted rallying cry into a standard cheer, but its exact origin is uncertain and may have been influenced by sailors’ or soldiers’ exclamations rather than a single neat source.
Etymological Timeline
18th Century
English
hurrah
“A shouted cheer or exclamation of approval, especially in crowds or military settings.”
17th–18th Century
English
huzzah
“A shout used to express triumph, encouragement, or applause.”
17th–18th Century
English
hurray
“A cheer or cry of excitement and support.”
Earlier Modern Period
Various
Various shouted cries
“Possible influence from sailor, soldier, or hunting cries used to spur action or signal excitement; the exact source is uncertain.”