boo

1 of 4

interjection

ˈbü 

—used to express contempt or disapproval or to startle or frighten

boo

2 of 4

noun (1)

plural boos

1

: a shout of disapproval or contempt

2

: any utterance at all

—usually used in negative constructions

never said boo

boo

3 of 4

verb

booed; booing; boos

intransitive verb

: to deride especially by uttering a prolonged boo

transitive verb

: to express disapproval of by booing

the crowd booed the referee

boo

4 of 4

noun (2)

plural boos

US slang

: a romantic partner : sweetheart, honey

Your parents might keep a sharp eye on potential partners and your besties may lay down difficult "friend tests," but only one real opinion on your new boo truly matters: what your dog thinks of them.

—Jaime Lees

This has left me skeptical of all new relationships—including my new boo.

—Griffin Wynne

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• bird [chiefly British]
• Bronx cheer
• catcall
• hiss
• hoot
• jeer
• raspberry
• razz
• snort

Examples of boo in a Sentence

Noun (1)

A chorus of boos was heard after the shot missed the goal.

The announcement was greeted by a mixture of boos and cheers.

Verb

Many people in the crowd booed when the announcement was made.

Many people in the crowd booed the announcement, but a few people cheered it.

Recent Examples on the Web

Interjection

Highlights include a costume parade (for kids and parents), a Purim story and boo Haman and songs. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024

Volunteer yourself to help with X, Y and Z accommodations if that lightens the family’s workload, without saying boo about the couple’s choices. —Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 18 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Interjection

expressive formation; the voiced labial release and high vowel presumably heighten the suddenness of the utterance

Noun (1)

derivative of boo entry 1

Verb

derivative of boo entry 2

Noun (2)

of uncertain origin

Note: Perhaps ultimately a hypocoristic reduction of brother, applied to unrelated males, but the details are unclear.

First Known Use

Interjection

1639, in the meaning defined above

Noun (1)

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1833, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun (2)

1988, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing boo

• boo-boo
• boo hoo

Kids Definition

boo

1 of 2 interjection

ˈbü 

—used to express contempt or disapproval or to startle or frighten

boo

2 of 2 noun

plural boos

1

: a shout of disapproval or contempt

2

: any sound at all

never said boo

boo verb