hoot 1 of 2

1
as in shout
a loud vocal expression of strong emotion the courtroom erupted in hoots of laughter upon hearing the witness's sarcastic retort to the lawyer's arrogant remark

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2
as in snort
a vocal sound made to express scorn or disapproval he ignored the hoots and jeers coming from the back of the crowd and kept on speaking until he'd had his say

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3
4
as in scream
someone or something that is very funny that stand-up comic is a hoot

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hoot

2 of 2

verb

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hoot
Noun
For most younger folks, the appearance of a drag queen offers the chance to hoot and holler, to have fun and show some support. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2025 After the first big song, the couple next to us, stand up and hoot and holler, along with two young women behind them. Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
Given center stage, these once one-dimensional characters can be a hoot. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2025 Could a retro hoot like ‘Mid-Century Modern’ make the cut? Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hoot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hoot
Noun
  • Although the scene at the West Bloomfield Tesla would likely be viewed as peaceful, marked by honking cars, a fender-bender across the street and some shouts by passing motorists, one incident might have had the potential to change that.
    Eric D. Lawrence, Freep.com, 3 July 2025
  • Those in T-shirts were among dozens at the Newport High School auditorium for the meeting, some offering applause or shouts of agreement as others spoke.
    Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • They’re comforted by the hoots of owls and snorts of pig frogs.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
  • Even so, some of Lucy’s pronouncements are so truly awful that a blunt snort of laughter is the only response.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • And as far as luxurious treats go, well, the afternoon high tea there is not to be missed, and the theme changing monthly offers the strongest argument yet to treat oneself ad infinitum without giving a tinker’s damn about the current economy.
    Timothy DePeugh, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2025
  • Since the death of Tom Petty meant an end to his primary job in 2017, Tench has still been visible in the background as a member of the house band in practically any tribute show that’s worth a damn.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Neighbors heard her screams and called for an ambulance.
    Laura A. Bischoff, The Enquirer, 4 July 2025
  • The rest of the group is rendered by capable performers, but their dialogue consists of rote exposition and the occasional scream, as pterodactyls dive-bomb them and T. rexes snap in their faces.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • The kids are running around, hollering and screaming, having a good ‘ole time, and Frankie Beverly and Maze are blaring through the speakers.
    Essence, Essence, 16 June 2025
  • We are headed to a coffee shop when a woman with her son recognizes him and hollers out the window of her car.
    Peter Frick-Wright, Outside Online, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Heard believed someone behind him insulted him, leading to him shooting Betker Jr. multiple times, according to court documents.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
  • Despite today’s political climate, insulting a predecessor while said predecessor sat right there on camera felt too cringy to me.
    Lubna Zeidan, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • Up front, its face is a far more rectilinear sneer.
    Brett Berk, Robb Report, 8 July 2025
  • Yungblud’s voice — a piercing yelp that exists somewhere between Gerard Way’s wail and Brian Molko’s sneer — slotted him in the alt-rock world, but his aspirations seemed to stretch far beyond that categorization.
    Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • After 40 minutes, his energy hasn’t flagged a whit.
    Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 2 July 2025
  • Nevertheless, the basic design of commercial nuclear power reactors has changed not a whit.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 30 July 2010

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Cite this Entry

“Hoot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hoot. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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