boo
1 Americaninterjection
noun
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
noun
interjection
-
an exclamation uttered to startle or surprise someone, esp a child
-
a shout uttered to express disgust, dissatisfaction, or contempt, esp at a theatrical production, political meeting, etc
-
is extremely timid or diffident
verb
Usage
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.
Etymology
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The real rub here is that generally speaking, neither me, nor you, nor a dog named Boo has been able to ride the incredible run-ups these companies have enjoyed.
From Barron's • May 21, 2026
For week 33, he takes on boxer and Everton fan Molly McCann, and Boo Radleys frontman Dr Simon 'Sice' Rowbottom, who supports Liverpool.
From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026
In the 1,000 meters, Stolz trailed the Netherlands’ Jenning de Boo by nearly four-tenths of a second at 600 meters—only to win gold by a half-second.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026
He edged out the Nedtherlands’ Jenning de Boo, who was paired with Stolz and finished 0.11 seconds behind the U.S. star.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026
Boo gives me a forlorn wave, tears running down her cheeks.
From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
