hooky

or hook·ey

[ hook-ee ]

/ ˈhʊk i /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: hooky / hookier / hookiest on Thesaurus.com

noun

unjustifiable absence from school, work, etc. (usually used in the phrase play hooky): On the first warm spring day the boys played hooky to go fishing.

QUIZ

ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?

We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.

Question 1 of 8

Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?

navy

beryl

azure

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Meet Grammar Coach

Write or paste your essay, email, or story into Grammar Coach and get grammar help

Improve Your Writing

Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing

Origin of hooky

1840–50, Americanism; perhaps alteration of phrase hook it escape, make off

Words nearby hooky

hooktender, hook-tip, hookup, hookworm, hookworm disease, hooky, hooley, hoolie, hooligan, hooly, hoon

Other definitions for hooky (2 of 2)

hooky²

[ hook-ee ]

/ ˈhʊk i /

adjective, hook·i·er, hook·i·est.

full of hooks.

hook-shaped.

Origin of hooky

First recorded in 1545–55; hook¹ + -y¹

How to use hooky in a sentence

That hourglass shape delivers the carving sensation on groomers but can make skis hooky and unpredictable in unconsolidated backcountry snow, especially when a crust forms.
Long-Term Review: The Best Skis, Period|Heather Schultz and Marc Peruzzi|March 4, 2021|Outside Online
If any of the major players play hooky, then we all will suffer.
The Climate Crisis Is Happening Right Now. Just Look at California’s Weekend.|by Elizabeth Weil|September 9, 2020|ProPublica
I joined the ranks of experts and students playing session-hooky in the hallways.
Longtime Sufferers of Cluster Headaches Find Relief in Psychedelics|Valerie Vande Panne|February 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They even tacked an extra day onto the jaunt, playing hooky that Tuesday.
After 44 Years Apart, Mother and Daughter Reunited by Facebook|Nina Strochlic|May 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Many American kids are returning to the classroom today after a summer playing hooky.
Best ‘First Day of School’ Movies||September 5, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Hooky indicates an inability to create stories that take place in and around school and, therefore, a dearth of inspiration.
Gossip Girl Deathwatch|Caitlin Shure|February 6, 2009|DAILY BEAST
I think there comes a time, in creative work, for playing hooky.
Jane Journeys On|Ruth Comfort Mitchell
Wish I could make up my mind, he said, like a boy in some doubt how he can best put in his time when he plays hooky.
Nothing But the Truth|Frederic S. Isham
His coal-black, glossy hair commanded and obtained her admiration, and she found his hooky nose to be handsome.
The Eustace Diamonds|Anthony Trollope
That he naturally despised the articles of such a soulless faith was evident in his constant inclination to play hooky.
The Place of Honeymoons|Harold MacGrath
It wasnt the usual playing hooky from school case that the judge was taking up now.
Joan of the Journal|Helen Diehl Olds

British Dictionary definitions for hooky

hooky

hookey

/ (ˈhʊkɪ) /

noun

informal, mainly US, Canadian and NZ truancy, usually from school (esp in the phrase play hooky)

Word Origin for hooky

C20: perhaps from hook it to escape

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

Other Idioms and Phrases with hooky

hooky

see play hooky.

hooky

or hook·ey

Origin of hooky

Words nearby hooky

Other definitions for hooky (2 of 2)

Origin of hooky

Words related to hooky

How to use hooky in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for hooky

hookey

Word Origin for hooky

Other Idioms and Phrases with hooky