ho
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for ho, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Intj — A shout used to draw attention, especially when spotting something in the distance.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From Old English hō, an interjection related to Old Norse "hó", a shepherd's call. The slang noun sense is a clipped, informal pronunciation of "whore".
Full origin of ho →Frequently asked questions
What does “ho” mean?
The word “ho” means a shout used to draw attention, especially when spotting something in the distance. In plain terms, either an old-fashioned shout for attention ("land ho!"), or crude slang for a woman seen as promiscuous.
How do you pronounce “ho”?
“Ho” is pronounced hoh (/hoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ho” in a sentence?
Here is “ho” used in a sentence: “"Land, ho!" cried the sailor from the crow's nest.”
What part of speech is “ho”?
Depending on how it is used, “ho” can be an intj and a noun.
Where does the word “ho” come from?
The word “ho” comes from Old English. From Old English hō, an interjection related to Old Norse "hó", a shepherd's call. The slang noun sense is a clipped, informal pronunciation of "whore".
Is “ho” a common word?
“Ho” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ho” have?
“Ho” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a shout used to draw attention, especially when spotting something in the distance.
What is the difference between 'ho' and 'hey'?
'Hey' is a general call to get someone's attention. 'Ho' as an interjection specifically signals that the speaker has spotted or noticed something, often at a distance, which is why it appears in lookout calls like 'land ho'.
Is the word 'ho' considered offensive?
The interjection meaning a shout to draw attention is not offensive. However, 'ho' is also a vulgar slang noun used offensively toward women, and in that use it is considered crude and disrespectful. Context makes clear which sense is meant.