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| Date: | 1800-1900 |
| Origin: | hollo a shout to call attention (16-19 centuries) |
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hel‧lo S1
also hallo, hullo British English [countable]
also hallo, hullo British English [countable]1 used as a greeting when you see or meet someone : 
Hello, John! How are you?
Hello, John! How are you?2 used when answering the telephone or starting a telephone conversation : Hello - may I speak to Anne?
Hello - may I speak to Anne?3 used when calling to get someone's attention : Hello! Is there anybody home?
Hello! Is there anybody home?4 used when you think someone is not acting sensibly or has said something stupid : You didn't remember her birthday? Hello!
You didn't remember her birthday? Hello!5 British English used to show that you are surprised or confused by something : Hello! What's happened here?
Hello! What's happened here?6 to have a quick conversation with someone : Promise you'll look in and say hello when you have time.
say hello
Promise you'll look in and say hello when you have time.