hush-hush
Americanadjective
adjective
Etymology
Origin of hush-hush
First recorded in 1915–20; reduplication based on hush
Vocabulary lists containing hush-hush
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.
In a WhatsApp message cited in the lawsuit, Shell told Cipriani that the deal was “very hush, hush until we sign.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026
"It's like things have taken a turn. The gloves are off. And everything that used to be hush hush is now just . . . out in the open."
From Salon • Feb. 12, 2020
And I went down to meet with him, and then I met with him further, and it was all kept very hush hush.
From MSNBC • Jun. 19, 2019
She says the construction of the massive warship was "hush, hush" and she was told not to discuss it with anyone.
From BBC • Nov. 26, 2018
“Oh, hush, hush, my child!” said Van Helsing.
From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker
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.
