hi

hi · interjection

imported

Definitions

interjection

  1. 1.

    An informal greeting used when meeting someone.

  2. 2.

    Used to attract attention or begin a conversation.

Related words

Antonyms: bye, goodbye
See also: goodbye, greeting, hello, hey
Synonyms: hello, hey, howdy

Etymology

First recorded in American English in the mid-19th century, "hi" is a variant of "hey" influenced by the greeting "hiya" (a contraction of "how are you" or "how are ya"). It became one of the most common informal greetings in American English and spread internationally during the 20th century.