hello

exclamation, noun

/helˈəʊ/

/-ˈoʊ/ (UK also hallo, hullo)

Definition

A1 used when meeting or greeting someone: Hello, Paul. I haven't seen you for ages. I know her vaguely - we've exchanged hellos a few times. I just thought I'd call by and say hello. And a big hello (= welcome) to all the parents who've come to see the show.Welcoming, greeting and greetings A1 something that is said at the beginning of a phone conversation: "Hello, I'd like some information about your flights to the US, please."Welcoming, greeting and greetings › something that is said to attract someone's attention: The front door was open so she walked inside and called out, "Hello! Is there anybody in?"Welcoming, greeting and greetings › informal said to someone who has just said or done something stupid, especially something that shows they are not noticing what is happening around them: She asked me if I'd just arrived and I was like 'hello, I've been here for an hour.'InterjectionsSounds used as interjections › old-fashioned an expression of surprise: Hello, this is very strange - I know that man.Meeting peopleOfficial meetings

(Definition of hello exclamationnoun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

Focus on the pronunciation of hello