hello
huh-LOH
Hello (intj) means a common greeting said when meeting someone or answering the phone. Example: “Hello," she said, picking up the phone.”
intj
1
A common greeting said when meeting someone or answering the phone.
""Hello," she said, picking up the phone."
"He waved and called out a cheerful hello."
"Hello, is anyone home? I've brought your parcel."
2
Used sarcastically to point out that someone missed something obvious.
""Hello? I already told you that twice.""
"Hello! The sign says the shop is closed, so why are you knocking?"
"Hello, can you not see the queue behind you? Wait your turn."
noun
1
The act or utterance of greeting someone.
"She gave a quick hello and hurried off."
"The shy boy managed a quiet hello to his new classmates."
"A friendly hello from a stranger can brighten your whole morning."
verb
1
To greet someone by saying "hello."
"He helloed the neighbors from across the yard."
"She helloed everyone in the lobby as she walked towards the lift."
"The children helloed the postman every morning as he came up the path."
How to use hello
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe everyday word for greeting someone.
Common pairings
say hello
wave hello
a friendly hello
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Word forms
- Plural
- hellos, helloes
- Third person singular
- hellos, helloes
- Past tense
- helloed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
"_____," she said, picking up the phone.
Etymology
First recorded in the early 1800s as a variant of "hollo"; often credited to Thomas Edison as the standard telephone greeting, though the word predates the telephone.
Class of 1800
hello joined the language around 1800.
See the full Class of 1800 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for hello
See all rhymes for hello →Frequently asked questions
What does “hello” mean?
The word “hello” means a common greeting said when meeting someone or answering the phone. In plain terms, the everyday word for greeting someone.
How do you pronounce “hello”?
“Hello” is pronounced huh-LOH (/hɛˈloʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “hello” in a sentence?
Here is “hello” used in a sentence: “"Hello," she said, picking up the phone.”
What is another word for “hello”?
Words with a similar meaning to “hello” include g'day, hey, hi, hallo, hiya and you alright.
What is the opposite of “hello”?
The opposite of “hello” — its antonyms — are bye and goodbye.
What part of speech is “hello”?
Depending on how it is used, “hello” can be an intj, a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “hello” come from?
The word “hello” dates back to around 1800. First recorded in the early 1800s as a variant of "hollo"; often credited to Thomas Edison as the standard telephone greeting, though the word predates the telephone.
Is “hello” a common word?
“Hello” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between hello and hi?
Both are greetings, but "hello" is the more neutral, standard choice that suits almost any situation, including formal ones and answering the phone. "Hi" is shorter and more casual, better with friends and relaxed settings. You would open a job interview with "hello," but greet a mate with "hi."
Is "hello" formal or informal?
Hello sits comfortably in the middle, which is part of why it is so useful. It is polite enough for formal situations — meetings, phone calls, greeting strangers — yet warm enough for friends and family. For something more relaxed you might say "hi" or "hey"; for extra formality, "good morning" or "good afternoon."
What are other ways to say hello?
Casual options include "hi," "hey," "hiya," and "howdy." More formal or time-specific greetings include "good morning," "good afternoon," and "good evening." You might also hear "how do you do," "welcome," or a simple "hey there." The right choice depends on how formal the situation is and who you are greeting.
When do you use "hello"?
You use hello to greet someone when you meet or approach them, and it is the standard word for answering the phone. It also works to get attention or check whether someone is there, as in "Hello? Is anyone home?" In each case it opens contact and signals friendly acknowledgement.
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