/hoohp, hoop/ ; esp. for 1, 3-5, 7-12 /hwoohp, hwoop, woohp, woop/ , n.
1. a loud cry or shout, as of excitement or joy.
2. the sound made by a person suffering from whooping cough.
3. not worth a whoop , Informal. to be worthless: Their promises aren't worth a whoop.
v.i.
4. to utter a loud cry or shout in expressing enthusiasm, excitement, etc.
5. to cry as an owl, crane, or certain other birds.
6. to make the characteristic sound accompanying the deep intake of air following a series of coughs in whooping cough.
v.t.
7. to utter with or as if with a whoop.
8. to whoop to or at.
9. to call, urge, pursue, or drive with whoops: to whoop dogs on.
10. whoop it up , Informal.
a. to raise a disturbance, as to celebrate noisily: They whooped it up after winning the big game.
b. to stir up enthusiasm, as for an idea or project: Every spring they whoop it up for the circus.
11. whoop up , Informal. to promote or praise; extol: a class reunion where they whoop up the good old days.
interj.
12. (used as a cry to attract attention from afar, or to show excitement, encouragement, enthusiasm, etc.)
[ 1350-1400; ME whopen, OE hwopan to threaten; c. Goth hwopan to boast ]