hoy

¹ American  

[hoi] / hɔɪ /

noun

Nautical.

1. a heavy barge used in harbors.

2. a vessel of the 17th and 18th centuries, usually slooprigged, used for fishing and coastal trading.

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hoy ² American  

[hoi] / hɔɪ /

interjection

1. (used as an exclamation to attract attention.)

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noun

1. a shout or hail.

hoy ¹ British  

/ hɔɪ /

noun

1. a freight barge

2. a coastal fishing and trading vessel, usually sloop-rigged, used during the 17th and 18th centuries

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hoy ² British  

/ hɔɪ /

interjection

1. a cry used to attract attention or drive animals

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Etymology

Origin of hoy¹

First recorded in 1485–95, hoy is from the Middle Dutch word hoey

Origin of hoy²

1350–1400; Middle English; variant of hey

Example Sentences

“The American cowboy, our great national folk hero, is recognized around the world as a symbol of our country,” the late Jim Hoy, a renowned cowboy historian, told Texas Highways magazine.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

Conor Quinn, 31, from Derryloughan, County Tyrone, John Guy, 48, who was originally from Dublin but living in Keady, and 23- year-old Laura Hoy, from Cookstown, all died at the scene.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

She has joined dozens of other volunteers at the Dios Habla Hoy church, which has become a nerve center for locals opposing immigration raids.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

"The Olympics was something that was my life for so many years and drove me on," Hoy says.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

The “suspect” arrested by Patrolman Hoy as he was being chased from the meeting has, at present writing, not been identified publicly.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey