Hooray
n.joyful, energeticplayful
What it means
A cheerful shout or expression of joy, approval, or encouragement.
Reach for it when giving informal celebratory voice to a welcome result
A loud hooray greeted the final cyclist across the line.
Choose between these
6- playful
brief modern casual delight suits speech or messaging
not when Yay can sound juvenile and is too slight for dignified recognition.
- everyday
group approval or encouragement is the general action
not when A cheer can be wordless, sustained, or directed at a team without using hooray.
- warm
praise follows a performance or skillful act
not when Bravo evaluates performance and can carry gendered forms in some languages.
- warm
a traditional exclamation gives robust celebration
not when Hurrah sounds more old-fashioned and ceremonial than everyday hooray.
- professional
audience approval should be described without quoting a shout
not when Applause is an action and may be polite rather than joyful.
- literary
historical or theatrical enthusiasm is intentional
not when Huzzah feels archaic outside reenactment, fantasy, or playful period style.
Said against
3- boo
- groan
- lament
It naturally appears in
3- shout hooray
Children began to shout hooray when the repaired fountain started.
- big hooray
A big hooray welcomed the volunteers back from the trail.
- chorus of hoorays
A chorus of hoorays followed the final announcement.