hubbub

[huhb-uhb]

noun

1. a loud, confused noise, as of many voices.

   There was quite a hubbub in the auditorium after the announcement.

   Antonyms: quiet

2. tumult; uproar.

   Synonyms: confusion, disorder, disturbance
   Antonyms: calm

hubbub

/ ˈhʌbʌb /

noun

1. a confused noise of many voices

2. uproar

Word History and Origins

Origin of hubbub¹

First recorded in 1545–55; apparently of Irish origin; akin to Scots Gaelic cry ubub! (reduplication of ub! ) expressing aversion or contempt

Word History and Origins

Origin of hubbub¹

C16: probably from Irish hooboobbes; compare Scottish Gaelic ubub! an exclamation of contempt

Synonym Study

See noise.

Example Sentences

After that came a great hubbub of excitement.

Read more on Literature

But the children’s cries were lost in the hubbub.

Read more on Literature

Luckily, the din attracted the notice of the staff, who came rushing to the rescue, and in the hubbub Penelope was finally able to run up to the nursery.

Read more on Literature

The hubbub last year over the Russell Brand photo illustrates that, right?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In the latter, another youngster emerges from a chaotic throng of people, standing apart from the hubbub while carrying a stack of books, suggesting that education offered opportunities to escape these harried circumstances.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• brouhaha 
• clamor 
• fuss 
• hue and cry 
• ruckus 
• tumult 
• uproar