boo

¹

[boo]

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, booing 

1. to cry boo in derision.

verb (used with object)

booed, booing 

1. to show disapproval of by booing.

boo

²

[boo, boh]

noun

1. Slang.,  marijuana.

boo

³

[boo]

noun

Slang.

1. one's boyfriend or girlfriend.

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

3. is extremely timid or diffident

verb

1. to shout "boo" at (someone or something), esp as an expression of disgust, dissatisfaction, or disapproval

   to boo the actors

Word History and Origins

Origin of boo¹

First recorded in 1630–40; expressive formation

Origin of boo²

First recorded in 1955–60; of uncertain origin

Origin of boo³

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

Example Sentences

Some fans booed the Liverpool academy product in May after he announced he would leave his hometown club when his contract expired in June.

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The 27-year-old's decision to run down his contract angered some Liverpool fans, who booed him at times in his final months at the club.

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A chorus of boos seems to rise up in the presence of Sarah Palin — and America wants to believe.

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Spurs were booed off by their own supporters after failing to win for a fourth consecutive Premier League home game.

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Saints were booed off after their 2-0 defeat by Preston North End on Saturday, a result which dropped them to 21st in the table.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• heckle 
• hiss 
• holler 
• hoot 
• jeer 

When To Use

What else does boo mean?

Boo is the sound we pretend ghosts make as well as a sound we make when we really don’t like something.Boo is also an affectionate term for one's significant other, similar to bae.