n. /bal"ee hooh'/ ; v. /bal"ee hooh', bal'ee hooh"/ , n. , pl. ballyhoos , v. , ballyhooed, ballyhooing .
n.
1. a clamorous and vigorous attempt to win customers or advance any cause; blatant advertising or publicity.
2. clamor or outcry.
3. a halfbeak, Hemiramphus brasiliensis, inhabiting both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
v.t. , v.i.
4. to advertise or push by ballyhoo.
[ 1830-40, Amer.; of uncert. orig. ]
Syn. 1. buildup, hoopla, fanfare; hype.