hoopla
Americannoun
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bustling excitement or activity; commotion; hullabaloo; to-do.
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sensational publicity; ballyhoo.
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speech or writing intended to mislead or to obscure an issue.
noun
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a fairground game in which a player tries to throw a hoop over an object and so win it
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slang noise; bustle
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slang nonsense; ballyhoo
Etymology
Origin of hoopla
First recorded in 1865–70, hoopla is from the French word houp-là! command (as to a child) to move, take a step
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.
But the hoopla surrounding the contest to own this Old Hollywood giant ignores the fact that Old Hollywood is past its prime.
From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026
“She never knew what all the hoopla was about,” said Chris Fortier, WATR’s director of operations and programming.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026
For all the hoopla over the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Mills has noticed that many people remain unfamiliar with all its provisions and what they could mean for their finances.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 26, 2026
Durbin declined the award this week given all the hoopla.
From Slate • Oct. 4, 2025
When the hoopla died down a bit, Mr. Lucas said to my father, “You’re right about that, son. Can’t go to the courthouse without a bride.”
From "Gone Crazy in Alabama" by Rita Williams-Garcia
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.
