hullabaloo

American  

[huhl-uh-buh-loo] / ˈhʌl ə bəˌlu /

noun

plural

hullabaloos

1. a clamorous noise or disturbance; uproar.

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hullabaloo British  

/ ˌhʌləbəˈluː /

noun

1. loud confused noise, esp of protest; commotion

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Usage

What does hullabaloo mean? A hullabaloo is an uproar or a noisy commotion, especially the sound of a bunch of people shouting in protest about something.A hullabaloo doesn’t have to be literally noisy—the word can also be used to refer to all the talk and commentary surrounding a controversy, such as on social media. Because hullabaloo sounds a little silly, it’s often used to be funny.Example: There was a big hullabaloo at the parents’ meeting when it was announced that brownies wouldn’t be allowed at the bake sale.

Etymology

Origin of hullabaloo

1750–60; apparently variant of haloobaloo, rhyming compound based on Scots baloo lullaby

Example Sentences

But as I observed then, hullabaloo over “milestone” numbers is typically misplaced.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

But after seeing all this hullabaloo, I thought I'd take my first crack at the season of self-inflicted suffering — in the name of journalism, not Jesus.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2025

“You just try to take it one game at a time,” Jason Kelce said, using that well-worn cliché to describe the way he handles the hullabaloo.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 19, 2023

Ms. Fairman conceded that some Europeans find the American hullabaloo “tacky.”

From New York Times • May 13, 2023

Poor Wilbur was dazed and frightened by this hullabaloo.

From "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White