ahoy

a-hoy · interjection

imported

Definitions

interjection

  1. 1.

    A nautical call used to hail a ship or attract attention.

  2. 2.

    (Informal) A greeting, especially in a nautical or humorous context.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    ship ahoy — A call indicating a ship has been sighted.
  • •
    ahoy there — A nautical greeting or call for attention.
  • •
    land ahoy — A call indicating land has been sighted.

Related words

See also: hello, hey
Synonyms: hello, hey

Etymology

From a (exclamatory prefix) + hoy (a nautical interjection used to attract attention), possibly from Dutch hoi. First attested in English in the mid-18th century as a sailing term. Alexander Graham Bell reportedly suggested "ahoy" as the standard telephone greeting, though "hello" prevailed.