hello

/həˈloʊ/

interjection

  1. Used as a greeting when meeting someone or starting a phone conversation.

    A1
    • "Hello, my name is Sarah."A1
    • "Hello, how are you doing?"A2
    • "Hello, this is Dr. Jones speaking."B1

  2. Used to attract someone's attention.

    B1
    • "Hello, is there anyone in there?"B1
    • "Hello, could you help me carry this?"B2

  3. Used to express surprise or realization.

    B2

    informal

    • "Hello, I didn't expect to see you here!"B2
    • "Hello, that's not what I meant at all."C1

noun

  1. A greeting or an instance of saying 'hello'.

    A2

    countable

    • "She gave me a warm hello."A2
    • "He didn't even say hello when he walked in."B1
    • "I just wanted to pop in and say a quick hello."B2

Collocations

say hellohello therehello world

Word family

hiheygoodbye