Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

hoopla

American  
[hoop-lah] / ˈhup lɑ /

noun

Informal.
  1. bustling excitement or activity; commotion; hullabaloo; to-do.

  2. sensational publicity; ballyhoo.

  3. speech or writing intended to mislead or to obscure an issue.


hoopla British  
/ ˈhuːplɑː /

noun

  1. a fairground game in which a player tries to throw a hoop over an object and so win it

  2. slang noise; bustle

  3. slang nonsense; ballyhoo

"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

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