hello

Definition

A greeting used when meeting or addressing someone.

Examples

Usage

Often used as a friendly greeting.

Common combinations

• say hello
• hello there

Definition

A word used to begin a telephone conversation or check that someone is listening.

Examples

Usage

Often spoken with rising intonation when checking the connection.

Common combinations

• hello? Can you hear me?
• say hello

Definition

An exclamation showing surprise, or drawing attention to something that should be obvious.

Examples

Usage

Meaning depends strongly on intonation and context.

Common combinations

• Hello! What are you doing?
• Well, hello!