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

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

From Los Angeles Times

It gives Crystal one of his rare openings for a laugh line, “Say hi to your shaman, wish him a happy 1969 for me.”

From Los Angeles Times

"They should just take off their republican hats, make the short trip to Canberra, say 'hi and thank for you coming to Australia'."

From BBC

“Ron Wood said hi to all of us at catering, and Keith Richards shook all of our hands like ‘Hello, I’m Keith,’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, I know!’

From Los Angeles Times

“Hi, neighbor,” I called out before saying, “You sound so clever and cute that I had to say hi.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hello
• nod
• ovation
• reception
• salute