boo

[ boo ]

/ bu /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: boo / booing on Thesaurus.com

interjection

(used to express contempt or disapprobation or to startle or frighten).

noun, plural boos.

an exclamation of contempt or disapproval: a loud boo from the bleachers.

verb (used without object), booed, boo·ing.

to cry boo in derision.

verb (used with object), booed, boo·ing.

to show disapproval of by booing.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of boo

First recorded in 1630–40; expressive formation

Other definitions for boo (2 of 3)

boo²

[ boo, boh ]

/ bu, boʊ /

noun

Slang. marijuana.

Also called boo grass.

Origin of boo

First recorded in 1955–60; of uncertain origin

Other definitions for boo (3 of 3)

boo³

[ boo ]

/ bu /

noun Slang.

one's boyfriend or girlfriend.

Origin of boo

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

How to use boo in a sentence

Yet even after the funeral protest, de Blasio was booed and heckled while addressing a new class of recruits as well.
We Need Our Police to Be Better Than This|Nick Gillespie|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The crowds booed and jeered as the embarrassing scene played out in front of them.
Public Marriage Proposals Must Die|Tauriq Moosa|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Last September, the "designer" duo got booed at Lanvin's Paris fashion show after they arrived late to their front row seats.
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s Balmain Campaign: High Fashion Meets Low Culture|Amy Zimmerman|December 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Baltimore--the town that booed him and team that doubted him--needed Palmer more than at any time in the club's history.
Will the Real Jim Palmer Please Stand Up|Tom Boswell|September 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Last year, Chappelle spent an evening on the Oddball Comedy Tour in Hartford, Conn., being heckled and booed off stage.
Dave Chappelle’s Triumphant Return to New York City|Alex Suskind|June 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Finally, he is hissed and booed and, after he has made a dumb speech of farewell, the curtain is rung down.
Seeing Things at Night|Heywood Broun
In the eighth inning another fly came to Bowen and again he dropped it while the crowd booed.
Baseball Joe, Captain of the Team|Lester Chadwick
One by one the natives nudged one another, and booed, and guffawed, until the rising tide of racket drowned out Zeckler's words.
Letter of the Law|Alan Edward Nourse
Prominent personages debated it in public halls, only to be acclaimed and booed concomitantly.
Gladiator|Philip Wylie
Another time, when they booed an atonal piece, he repeated it immediately.
The World's Great Men of Music|Harriette Brower

British Dictionary definitions for boo

boo

/ (buː) /

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

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

verb boos, booing or booed

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

boo

Origin of boo

Other definitions for boo (2 of 3)

Origin of boo

Other definitions for boo (3 of 3)

Origin of boo

Words related to boo

How to use boo in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for boo