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

The pair played in Thursday's night session on Louis Armstrong Stadium, which is infamous for a constant hubbub of chatter during matches.

From BBC

And I remember the hubbub of that, the reader emails.

From Los Angeles Times

Daffodils wilted, dragons drooped and decibels dropped to the quiet hubbub of a cricket crowd.

From BBC

It is getting difficult for him to escape the hubbub though.

From BBC

The solo performances as Pennebaker films them are arresting and gorgeous, but he does as well capturing the public hubbub and private interludes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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