ho

1 of 3

interjection

ˈhō How to pronounce ho (audio)
—used especially to attract attention to something specified
land ho

ho

2 of 3

noun

plural hos or hoes
1
US slang, disparaging + offensive : whore sense 1
2
US slang, disparaging + offensive : a person and especially a woman who has multiple sexual partners : a sexually promiscuous person

Ho

3 of 3

symbol

holmium

Word History

Etymology

Interjection

Middle English

Noun

alteration of whore

First Known Use

Interjection

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1964, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of ho was in the 15th century

Rhymes for ho

See All Rhymes for ho

Browse Nearby Words

hndbk
ho
Ho
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Cite this Entry

“Ho.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ho. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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Kids Definition

ho

interjection
ˈhō
—used especially to attract attention
land ho

Medical Definition

Ho

symbol
holmium

More from Merriam-Webster on ho

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ho

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