hullabaloo

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a loud commotion, uproar, or noisy fuss

   The announcement caused a hullabaloo in the crowded hall.

2. 2
   verb

   rare: to make a loud commotion or uproar

   The spectators hullabalooed until the speaker returned to the stage.

Of uncertain origin, probably an expressive or rhyming elaboration of halloo, hullo, or related cries used to attract attention. Its repeated sounds imitate the confused noise of a crowd or dispute.

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