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

Authorities contacted the company, H.I.

From Seattle Times

The ship appears to have crewed anti-aircraft weapons on its bow and stern, according to H.I.

From Seattle Times

Once I had “Raising Arizona” in mind, I thought it would be fun if we did a jailbreak with two women instead of John Goodman and William Forsythe, and rather than being H.I.’s buddies from prison, it’s Ethelrida’s aunt and her paramour.

From New York Times

My mind went to “Raising Arizona”: The first 11 minutes of that movie is this amazing narrated montage that tells you everything you know about H.I.

From New York Times

“The main feature photographed which raises questions is a bulge on the lower hull,” wrote defense analyst H.I.

From Fox News

Related Words

• hello
• nod
• ovation
• reception
• salute