Definition of "hello" in English

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?
   • Hello. This is Marsha. ― Yes, Marsha.

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. (chiefly UK) An expression of puzzlement or discovery.

   • Hello! What’s going on here?

noun

1. "Hello!" or an equivalent greeting.

   • They gave each other a quick hello when they met, and went back on their merry ways.

verb

1. (transitive) To greet with "hello".