hullabaloo

American  

[huhl-uh-buh-loo] / ˈhʌl ə bəˌlu /

noun

plural

hullabaloos

1. a clamorous noise or disturbance; uproar.

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hullabaloo British  

/ ˌhʌləbəˈluː /

noun

1. loud confused noise, esp of protest; commotion

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Usage

What does hullabaloo mean? A hullabaloo is an uproar or a noisy commotion, especially the sound of a bunch of people shouting in protest about something.A hullabaloo doesn’t have to be literally noisy—the word can also be used to refer to all the talk and commentary surrounding a controversy, such as on social media. Because hullabaloo sounds a little silly, it’s often used to be funny.Example: There was a big hullabaloo at the parents’ meeting when it was announced that brownies wouldn’t be allowed at the bake sale.

Etymology

Origin of hullabaloo

1750–60; apparently variant of haloobaloo, rhyming compound based on Scots baloo lullaby

Example Sentences

But after seeing all this hullabaloo, I thought I'd take my first crack at the season of self-inflicted suffering — in the name of journalism, not Jesus.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2025

But Robert’s absolutely right: Back then, I made a hell of a hullabaloo, and it seems he’s never forgotten it, which is hilarious.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2024

Diminished in all the hullabaloo is that conditions in financial markets are actually reverting to historical norms, not diverging from them.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 2, 2023

"The media makes a hullabaloo every time something happens on the border. But for us, it is life as normal."

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2023

Poor Wilbur was dazed and frightened by this hullabaloo.

From "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White