Hullabaloo: meaning, definitions and examples

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hullabaloo

 

[ หŒhสŒl.ษ™หˆbuห.luห ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

loud noise

A hullabaloo is a lot of noise and excitement, confusion, or argument.

Synonyms

clamor, commotion, turmoil, uproar.

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Word Description / Examples
hullabaloo

used to describe a loud noise or a lot of activity and excitement, often caused by an argument or a big event. Often has a slightly playful or informal tone.

  • There was a big hullabaloo in the office when the news broke.
uproar

used to describe a state of great noise, excitement, or angry protest. Can be used both formally and informally, often in the context of strong public reaction.

  • The government's decision caused an uproar among the citizens.
commotion

describes a noisy and chaotic situation, usually caused by a lot of people or movement. Can be used in both formal and informal settings.

  • Whatโ€™s all the commotion in the hallway about?
clamor

refers to a loud, sustained noise, often from a group of people shouting or talking loudly. Suitable for formal writing.

  • The clamor of protesters could be heard from the other side of the city.
turmoil

indicates a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty. Often used to describe emotional or social unrest.

  • The country was in turmoil after the unexpected resignation of the president.

Examples of usage

  • There was a hullabaloo outside the building as the protesters gathered.
  • The children's birthday party was full of hullabaloo and laughter.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A hullabaloo can also refer to a fuss or commotion about something trivial.

Synonyms

ado, fuss, hoo-ha, kerfuffle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hullabaloo

Used to describe loud noises or a lot of fuss made by people, especially in a way that shows excitement or agitation. Often implies a chaotic or noisy disturbance.

  • There was a lot of hullabaloo outside the concert hall as the fans waited for the band.
  • The hullabaloo over the new policy changes kept the office buzzing for hours.
fuss

Used to describe unnecessary or excessive concern or attention given to something. Can imply irritation or annoyance.

  • She always makes a fuss about the smallest things.
  • There was a big fuss when the caterer didn't show up on time.
kerfuffle

Used to describe a commotion or fuss caused by conflicting views. Often implies a small argument or disagreement.

  • The new policy caused quite a kerfuffle among the staff.
  • There was a bit of a kerfuffle over who should sit where.
ado

Often used in the phrase 'without further ado' to indicate moving on to the main point without delay. Generally signifies unnecessary fuss or delay.

  • Without further ado, let's start the meeting.
  • There was much ado about nothing when they discovered it was just a false alarm.
hoo-ha

Informal term used to describe a situation when people become very excited or angry about something insignificant or minor.

  • There was a big hoo-ha over the new dress code at the office.
  • The neighbors created a hoo-ha over the loud music last night.

Examples of usage

  • There was a hullabaloo at the office when the coffee machine broke down.
  • The whole neighborhood was in a hullabaloo over the missing cat.

Translations

Translations of the word "hullabaloo" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น confusรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคถเฅ‹เคฐเค—เฅเคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Tumult

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ keributan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณะฐะปะฐั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zamieszanie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้จ’ใŽ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท chahut

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ alboroto

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท gรผrรผltรผ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์†Œ๋ž€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุถุฌูŠุฌ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ rozruch

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ rozruch

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ–ง้—น

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ hrup

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ lรฆti

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฎแƒ›แƒแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hay-kรผy

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ alboroto

Etymology

The word 'hullabaloo' originated in the 18th century in Scotland, derived from the Scottish and northern English dialect word 'hollo-balloo' meaning 'uproar'. It has since evolved to represent noise, excitement, or confusion in modern English.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,290, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.