hubbub

[ huhb-uhb ]

noun

1. a loud, confused noise, as of many voices:

   There was quite a hubbub in the auditorium after the announcement.

   Antonyms: quiet

2. tumult; uproar.

   Synonyms: confusion, disorder, disturbance

   Antonyms: calm

hubbub

/ ˈhʌbʌb /

noun

1. a confused noise of many voices
2. uproar

Word History and Origins

Origin of hubbub¹

First recorded in 1545–55; apparently of Irish origin; akin to Scots Gaelic cry ubub! (reduplication of ub! ) expressing aversion or contempt

Word History and Origins

Origin of hubbub¹

C16: probably from Irish hooboobbes; compare Scottish Gaelic ubub! an exclamation of contempt

Synonym Study

See noise.

Example Sentences

The Community Fridge Network is coordinated by Hubbub, a UK-wide charity dedicated to promoting sustainability and protecting the environment.

From BBC

You know how there’s all this hubbub about getting L.A. in shape for the 2028 Summer Olympics?

From Los Angeles Times

I wondered if I could sneak away in all the hubbub and steal my freedom.

From Literature

A burst of laughter from Samir rose over the hubbub of the marketplace.

From Literature

I thought about the Horowitz reparations hubbub this week, as I watched cops march on college campuses all across the country, charged with clearing encampments of students and others who were protesting the grim excesses of Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip.

From Slate

Related Words

• brouhaha
• clamor
• fuss
• hue and cry
• ruckus
• tumult
• uproar