hush-hush

[ huhsh-huhsh ]

adjective

1. highly secret or confidential:

   a hush-hush political investigation.

hush-hush

adjective

1. informal.
   (esp of official work, documents, etc) secret; confidential

Word History and Origins

Origin of hush-hush¹

First recorded in 1915–20; reduplication based on hush

Example Sentences

Escorting is big business on the straight side too, only more of a hush-hush operation.

From The Daily Beast

She hesitated to explain any further because, she said, “TLC has kind of told us to hush-hush.”

From The Daily Beast

She's willing to speak about things people might to keep on the down-low or hush-hush.

From The Daily Beast

Leaving, overheard hush-hush conversation between saleswoman and manager about possible price break.

From The Daily Beast

And without the levies the "Hush-Hush" party was outnumbered again and again.

From Project Gutenberg

“Hush—hush,” warned Berry, plunging after him; “here's old Fox,” which brought both boys up breathless in the middle of the floor.

From Project Gutenberg

"Hush—hush," interrupted Gay with mock solemnity and placing his finger on her lips.

From Project Gutenberg

This will be hush-hush for awhile, then left to dissolve of itself.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Atkins explained that naturally the affair was hush-hush.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• confidential