'ello

Interjection

1. A greeting (salutation) said when meeting someone or acknowledging someone’s arrival or presence.
   • Hello, everyone.
2. A greeting used when answering the telephone.
   • Hello? How may I help you?
3. A call for response if it is not clear if anyone is present or listening, or if a telephone conversation may have been disconnected.
   • Hello? Is anyone there?
4. (colloquial) Used sarcastically to imply that the person addressed has done something the speaker considers to be foolish, or missed something that should have been obvious.
   • You just tried to start your car with your cell phone. Hello?
5. (UK) An expression of puzzlement or discovery.
   • Hello! What’s going on here?

   Synonyms:

   adzooks, ay, caramba, mirabile dictu, chihuahua, begorra, bleeding heck, bleeding Nora, bless my heart, bless my soul

See all 7 meanings of hello