boo

1
[ boo ]
See synonyms for boo on Thesaurus.com
interjection
  1. (used to express contempt or disapprobation or to startle or frighten.)

noun,plural boos.
  1. an exclamation of contempt or disapproval: a loud boo from the bleachers.

verb (used without object),booed, boo·ing.
  1. to cry boo in derision.

verb (used with object),booed, boo·ing.
  1. to show disapproval of by booing.

Origin of boo

1
First recorded in 1630–40; expressive formation

Other definitions for boo (2 of 3)

boo2
[ boo, boh ]

noun
  1. Slang. marijuana.

Origin of boo

2
First recorded in 1955–60; of uncertain origin
  • Also called boo grass.

Other definitions for boo (3 of 3)

boo3
[ boo ]

nounSlang.
  1. one's boyfriend or girlfriend.

Origin of boo

3
1985–90; of uncertain origin; possibly an alteration of French beau “boyfriend, admirer”

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use boo in a sentence

  • Somehow, Zeckler managed to stumble from the witness stand, amid riotous boos and hisses, and tottered into the anteroom.

    Letter of the Law | Alan Edward Nourse
  • However, there are so many complications—and so they proceed to set out all the anti-Socialist bug-a-boos.

  • Groans, boos; catcalls, if the Adityan equivalent of cats made noises like that.

    A Slave is a Slave | Henry Beam Piper
  • Failing to get what they expect, the theater is filled with boos and cat-calls at the end of the play.

    Charles Frohman: Manager and Man | Isaac Frederick Marcosson and Daniel Frohman
  • He thought neither of the ghosts that Uncle Dan'l had seen, nor of the bug-a-boos that had chased Viney's husband home.

    The Voice of the People | Ellen Glasgow

British Dictionary definitions for boo

boo

/ (buː) /


interjection
  1. an exclamation uttered to startle or surprise someone, esp a child

  2. a shout uttered to express disgust, dissatisfaction, or contempt, esp at a theatrical production, political meeting, etc

  1. would not say boo to a goose is extremely timid or diffident

verbboos, booing or booed
  1. to shout "boo" at (someone or something), esp as an expression of disgust, dissatisfaction, or disapproval: to boo the actors

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012