hi

¹

[ hahy ]

interjection

1. (used as an exclamation of greeting) hello!

hi

²

[ hahy ]

adjective

1. an informal, simplified spelling of high:

   hi fidelity.

HI

³

abbreviation for

1. Hawaii (approved especially for use with zip code).
2. Meteorology. heat index. Also H.I.

H.I.

⁴

abbreviation for

1. Hawaiian Islands.
2. Meteorology. heat index. Also HI

hi

¹

/ haɪ /

interjection

1. an expression used to attract attention

hi

²

/ haɪ /

sentence substitute

1. See hello
   an informal word for hello

HI

³

abbreviation for

1. Hawaii (state)
2. Hawaiian Islands

Word History and Origins

Origin of hi¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English hy, perhaps variant of hei hey

Word History and Origins

Origin of hi¹

C15 hy; compare hey

Origin of hi²

C20: originally US, from hiya

Example Sentences

Somehow, these hi-def blurts led to collaborations with the likes of Vince Staples and Madonna, swiftly bringing Sophie’s happy maximalism to the greater pop listenership she’d always hoped to reach.

From Washington Post

A formal federal program could help by offering clear guidance on hi-fi masks.

From Washington Post

She did the first one as a dry run a few weeks back, and it was fun to meet some Losers for the first time, as well as some loyal fans, and to say hi to some of the regulars.

From Washington Post

Getting outside and saying hi to shops’ staff and being proactive are empowering tools against anxiety.

From Washington Blade

You’re either in over-and-out mode, or you’re in hi-this-is-a-nice-video-recording-I-recorded-several-hours-ago mode, which is like email.

From Quanta Magazine

People we pass on the street, sit next to on the subway, say hi to at work every day.

From The Daily Beast

Another person regrets not saying hi to Harry at the Gramercy Hotel.

From The Daily Beast

And he said hi back and smiled and sort of patted the baby on the head and everything.

From The Daily Beast

Robin crossed to me from across the room, got down to my level, and whispered “Hi, how are you?”

From The Daily Beast

Below is the email response I received: Hi, thank you but we respectfully decline.

From The Daily Beast

Hi just hasked to learn your custom hin case hi did lose hany.

From Project Gutenberg

The former at least has been accentuated since yesterday, when your likeness to Hi struck me very painfully.

From Project Gutenberg

"Hi, those foolish young men are getting ready to ride over here," said White Otter.

From Project Gutenberg

The men is fair wild wid th' drink, and th' Rough Red is beside hi'self.

From Project Gutenberg

But mebbe up in heaven he will think of me and wait And holler "Hi!"

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hello
• nod
• ovation
• reception
• salute