I. ˈhüt verb
Etymology: Middle English houten, of imitative origin
Date: 13th century
intransitive verb
1. : to shout or laugh usually derisively
2. : to make the natural throat noise of an owl or a similar cry
3. : to make a loud clamorous mechanical sound
transitive verb
1. : to assail or drive out by hooting
hoot ed down the speaker
2. : to express or utter with hoots
hoot ed their disapproval
II. noun
Date: 15th century
1. : a sound of hooting ; especially : the cry of an owl
2. : a minimum amount or degree : the least bit
don't give a hoot
3. : something or someone amusing
the play is a real hoot
• hooty ˈhü-tē adjective
III. ˈhüt interjection
or hoots ˈhüts
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1540
chiefly Scottish — used to express impatience, dissatisfaction, or objection