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hullabaloo

C2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /hˈʌləbˌæluː/

US

  • /ˌhələbəˈlu/

Description

Imagine a small problem suddenly turning into a big scene, with people talking over one another and everyone looking around. That is the feeling of "hullabaloo." It means a loud fuss or excited commotion, often caused by something that may not deserve so much noise. A child shouting in a store, reporters rushing toward a celebrity, or people arguing over a minor mistake can all create a hullabaloo.

Examples

  1. 1

    Alarm noise

    There was a hullabaloo in the hallway after the fire alarm went off.

  2. 2

    Public reaction

    I don't understand all the hullabaloo over the new logo.

    • Pattern

      hullabaloo over/about + issue

      a loud public reaction to it

  3. 3

    Press attention

    The minister slipped out a side door amid the hullabaloo from reporters outside.

    • Phrase

      amid the hullabaloo

      while the noise and excitement was happening

  4. 4

    Complaint

    She made a huge hullabaloo about having to wait ten minutes for her coffee.

    • Pattern

      make a hullabaloo about + issue

      complain about it loudly or dramatically

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • hullabaloonoun