ho

ho · interjection

imported

Definitions

interjection

  1. 1.

    An exclamation used to attract attention or express surprise.

  2. 2.

    Part of the traditional laugh of Santa Claus: "ho ho ho."

  3. 3.

    (Nautical) Used in calls to attract attention or announce sightings.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    ho ho ho — Santa Claus's laugh
  • •
    land ho — nautical cry when land is sighted
  • •
    westward ho — a call to travel west
  • •
    heave-ho — a cry used when pulling or lifting

Related words

See also: ahoy, heave, hey
Synonyms: ahoy, hey

Etymology

From Middle English ho, used as an exclamation to attract attention. Related to similar exclamations in other Germanic languages.