Hurray

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Hurray

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

exclamation and noun

Pronunciation

hoo-RAY  /hʊˈreɪ/

Definition

An exclamation of joy, approval, or encouragement; used to express excitement, celebration, or triumph.

Plain meaning

Hurray is an exclamation of joy and celebration — what you shout when something wonderful happens, a team scores, or someone achieves something great. It is also spelled hooray or hurrah. Hip hip hurray is the traditional cheer led by one person with the crowd responding.

Register

Informal and celebratory. Hurray is used in speech and informal writing, in sports contexts, children's celebrations, and any moment of collective joy. Hooray is the most common modern spelling; hurrah is slightly more formal and literary.