whoop

American  

[hwoop, hwoop, woop, woop] / ʰwup, ʰwʊp, wup, wʊp /

noun

1. a loud cry or shout, as of excitement or joy.

2. the sound made by a person suffering from whooping cough.

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verb (used without object)

1. to utter a loud cry or shout in expressing enthusiasm, excitement, etc.

2. to cry as an owl, crane, or certain other birds.

3. to make the characteristic sound accompanying the deep intake of air following a series of coughs in whooping cough.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter with or as if with a whoop.

2. to whoop to or at.

3. to call, urge, pursue, or drive with whoops.

   to whoop dogs on.

interjection

1. (used as a cry to attract attention from afar, or to show excitement, encouragement, enthusiasm, etc.)

verb phrase

1. whoop up to promote or praise; extol.

   a class reunion where they whoop up the good old days.

idioms

1. whoop it up,

   1. to raise a disturbance, as to celebrate noisily.

      They whooped it up after winning the big game.

   2. to stir up enthusiasm, as for an idea or project.

      Every spring they whoop it up for the circus.

2. not worth a whoop, to be worthless.

   Their promises aren't worth a whoop.

whoop British  

/ wuːp /

verb

1. to utter (speech) with loud cries, as of enthusiasm or excitement

2. med to cough convulsively with a crowing sound made at each inspiration

3. (of certain birds) to utter (a hooting cry)

4. (tr) to urge on or call with or as if with whoops

5. informal

   1. to indulge in a noisy celebration

   2. to arouse enthusiasm

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noun

1. a loud cry, esp one expressing enthusiasm or excitement

2. med the convulsive crowing sound made during a paroxysm of whooping cough

3. informal worthless

Etymology

Origin of whoop

1350–1400; Middle English whopen, Old English hwōpan to threaten; cognate with Gothic hwopan to boast

Example Sentences

There was no protection from common childhood illnesses like tuberculosis, rheumatic fever, diphtheria, or whooping cough.

From Literature

To let Rowdy know that I was coming, I reared back and whooped as loud as I could, “Who-o-e-e, tell it to him, boy. Sing him a hound-dog song.”

From Literature

Loud pop and rock music blares down the entire block, punctuated by the odd cheer and whoop from spectators.

From BBC

I jog the final few yards to where Emma is gazing at Lily whooping with joy inside the castle.

From Literature

He could barely hear Glory’s thrilled whoops, like she was a cowgirl lassoing a bull.

From Literature

Related Words

• boo
• hoot
• howl
• jeer
• shriek
• squawk