1 boo | Definition of boo
\ ˈbü How to pronounce boo (audio) \

Definition of boo

 (Entry 1 of 3)

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

boo

noun
plural boos

Definition of boo (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : a shout of disapproval or contempt
2 : any utterance at all —usually used in negative constructions never said boo

boo

verb
booed; booing; boos

Definition of boo (Entry 3 of 3)

intransitive verb

: to deride especially by uttering a prolonged boo

transitive verb

: to express disapproval of by booing the crowd booed the referee

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Synonyms & Antonyms for boo

Synonyms: Noun

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

Antonyms: Noun

cheer

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Examples of boo in a Sentence

Noun

A chorus of boos was heard after the shot missed the goal. The announcement was greeted by a mixture of boos and cheers.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Interjection

C’mon, when the day began the Dodgers were in third place in the standings, but led the league in pitching and led all of baseball in run differential and … boo! — Bill Plaschke, latimes.com, "From day to day, the Dodgers stay unpredictable," 25 May 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Meanwhile, all anyone can hear is a mixture of boos and anarchic yelling from the audience. — Billboard Staff, Billboard, "Looking Back at the VMAs 10 Years Later: A Billboard Staff Kanye/Taylor Roundtable," 22 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'boo.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of boo

Interjection

1639, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1833, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

History and Etymology for boo

Interjection

Middle English bo

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More Definitions for boo

boo

noun

English Language Learners Definition of boo

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a sound that people make to show they do not like or approve of someone or something
informal : any sound at all

boo

verb

English Language Learners Definition of boo (Entry 2 of 2)

: to show dislike or disapproval of someone or something by shouting "Boo" slowly
\ ˈbü How to pronounce boo (audio) \

Kids Definition of boo

 (Entry 1 of 3)

—used to express disapproval or to startle or frighten

boo

noun
plu
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