hi

¹

[ hahy ]

interjection

1. (used as an exclamation of greeting) hello!

hi

²

[ hahy ]

adjective

1. an informal, simplified spelling of high:

   hi fidelity.

HI

³

abbreviation for

1. Hawaii (approved especially for use with zip code).
2. Meteorology. heat index. Also H.I.

H.I.

⁴

abbreviation for

1. Hawaiian Islands.
2. Meteorology. heat index. Also HI

hi

¹

/ haɪ /

interjection

1. an expression used to attract attention

hi

²

/ haɪ /

sentence substitute

1. an informal word for hello

HI

³

abbreviation for

1. Hawaii (state)
2. Hawaiian Islands

Word History and Origins

Origin of hi¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English hy, perhaps variant of hei hey

Word History and Origins

Origin of hi¹

C15 hy; compare hey

Origin of hi²

C20: originally US, from hiya

Example Sentences

The first thing Salah's friend said to her, she recalls, was: "Hi Helen, how are you this morning?"

From BBC

Cut to five years later, I’m playing at the Greek, and I’ll never forget, after the show, my tour manager came back and said, “Hey, Rick Springfield and his wife are here. They want to say a quick ‘hi.’

From Los Angeles Times

Her work, which also drew inspiration from church songs, jukebox pop and big band jazz, included the preschool classics “The Hello Song,” “The Hi Dee Ho Man,” “Dulce Dulce” and a popular rendition of “Wade in the Water.”

From Los Angeles Times

He came to see us at Nassau Coliseum — came on his own, walked into the dressing room, said: “Hi, I’m Billy Joel. I’m a big fan.”

From Los Angeles Times

They always made sure to say hi, looking in my direction frequently.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hello
• nod
• ovation
• reception
• salute