I. ˈhüt, usu -üd.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English houten, hoten, of imitative origin
intransitive verb
1. : to utter a loud shout ; usually : to cry out or shout in contempt
matrons and girls shall hoot at thee no more — John Dryden
2.
a. : to make the natural throat noise of an owl
b. : to make a sound resembling the hoot of an owl — used especially of other birds or mammals
3. : to make a loud clamorous mechanical sound — used especially of a siren and similar devices
foghorns hooting in the gloom
transitive verb
1.
a. : to assail with contemptuous cries or other expressions of disapproval or contempt
men of goodwill hooted by rowdies
b. : to check, interrupt, or drive out by hooting
hooted down the speaker
hooting unpopular actors off the stage
2. : to express in or by hoots
hooted his disapproval
II. noun
( -s )
1. : a loud inarticulate shout or noise ; especially : a derisive cry
gave a hoot of contempt
2.
a. : the cry of an owl
b. : a sound (as of a motor horn) suggesting this cry
3. : a very small amount : bit , trifle , whit — used chiefly in negative constructions and especially with the indefinite article
don't care a hoot what you decide
she didn't really give two hoots about me — Eric Soames
III. interjection
or hoots -ts
Etymology: origin unknown
chiefly Scotland — used to express impatience, mild dissatisfaction, or objection and often in combination
hoot awa
hoot mon
IV. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Maori utu price, requital
slang Australia : money
V. noun
: something or someone amusing