noun
hoot
hoot
noun
1
The low, mournful call of an owl.
"We heard the hoot of an owl deep in the woods."
2
Informal: someone or something very funny or entertaining.
"That comedian is an absolute hoot."
verb
1
To make the cry of an owl, or to shout in mockery or amusement.
"The crowd hooted with laughter at the joke."
How to Use Hoot
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn owl's call, or informally, something hilarious or a mocking shout.
Common pairings
hoot with laughter
the hoot of an owl
Word Forms
hooted past tense, hoots plural, Hoots plural, hoots singular
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Etymology
From Middle English houten, likely of Scandinavian origin, related to old words meaning "to shout in contempt."