ballyhoo

American  

[bal-ee-hoo, bal-ee-hoo, bal-ee-hoo] / ˈbæl iˌhu, ˈbæl iˌhu, ˌbæl iˈhu /

noun

plural

ballyhoos

1. a clamorous and vigorous attempt to win customers or advance any cause; blatant advertising or publicity.

   Synonyms:

   hype, fanfare, hoopla, buildup

2. clamor or outcry.

3. a halfbeak, Hemiramphus brasiliensis, inhabiting both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

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verb (used with or without object)

ballyhooed, ballyhooing

1. to advertise or push by ballyhoo.

ballyhoo British  

/ ˌbælɪˈhuː /

noun

1. a noisy, confused, or nonsensical situation or uproar

2. sensational or blatant advertising or publicity

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verb

1. (tr) to advertise or publicize by sensational or blatant methods

Etymology

Origin of ballyhoo

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

In the clip, a young woman confronts him at one of his ballyhooed “debate” appearances on college campuses.

From Salon

Both the city and the county continue testing ballyhooed artificial intelligence software to offer instant corrections to initial permit applications, with activation scheduled for this month.

From Los Angeles Times

The broadcast is being ballyhooed as historic, the first time a play has been aired live from Broadway.

From Los Angeles Times

But could all this ballyhoo sap interest in his work?

From Los Angeles Times

But nothing has come of the ballyhooed cap or penalties.

From Los Angeles Times