hullabaloo

[huhl-uh-buh-loo]

noun

plural

hullabaloos 

1. a clamorous noise or disturbance; uproar.

hullabaloo

/ ˌhʌləbəˈluː /

noun

1. loud confused noise, esp of protest; commotion

Word History and Origins

Origin of hullabaloo¹

1750–60; apparently variant of haloobaloo, rhyming compound based on Scots baloo lullaby

Word History and Origins

Origin of hullabaloo¹

C18: perhaps from interjection _hallo + Scottish baloo lullaby

Example Sentences

As Baron points out, the scientific method often fell by the wayside amid the hullabaloo.

From Los Angeles Times

But no matter how obnoxious all of the hullabaloo was, it was a blessing in disguise.

From Salon

But after seeing all this hullabaloo, I thought I'd take my first crack at the season of self-inflicted suffering — in the name of journalism, not Jesus.

From Salon

Just imagine the hullabaloo if Worrall is part of the England squad this time next year.

From BBC

Robert Plant told me a few years ago that you were once known to make “a complete hullabaloo” while warming up your voice before a show.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What does hullabaloo mean?

A hullabaloo is an uproar or a noisy commotion, especially the sound of a bunch of people shouting in protest about something.A hullabaloo doesn’t have to be literally noisy—the word can also be used to refer to all the talk and commentary surrounding a controversy, such as on social media. Because hullabaloo sounds a little silly, it’s often used to be funny.Example: There was a big hullabaloo at the parents’ meeting when it was announced that brownies wouldn’t be allowed at the bake sale.