hail

IPA

Dictionary definition of hail

To greet or salute someone enthusiastically or in a formal manner.
"If you need a taxi, just hail one from the street corner."

Detailed meaning of hail

It is often used to express a warm welcome or to show admiration or recognition for someone's achievements. In this sense, "hail" can be seen as an expression of praise or approval. Additionally, "hail" can refer to the act of calling out to someone or trying to get their attention from a distance. For example, one might hail a taxi by waving their hand to attract the driver's attention. Another meaning of "hail" is to describe small balls or pellets of ice that fall from the sky during a hailstorm. This type of hail is formed when updrafts in thunderstorms carry raindrops upward, causing them to freeze and create solid ice pellets that eventually fall to the ground.

Example sentences containing hail

1. She will hail from a small town in Idaho, but has achieved worldwide recognition.
2. The fans began to hail their team's victory with loud cheers.
3. The scientist's new theory is hailed as a revolutionary step in physics.
4. Whenever she arrives, they hail her as if she were a queen.
5. We need to hail a cab to get to the airport in time.
6. As the ship approached the harbor, the captain decided to hail the port authority.

History and etymology of hail

The verb 'hail' has its etymological origins in Old English and Old Norse. It can be traced back to the Old English word 'hāl,' which means 'healthy' or 'whole.' In Old Norse, a similar word, 'heill,' also meant 'healthy' or 'sound.' Over time, these words evolved to encompass greetings and expressions of goodwill, reflecting the idea that wishing someone health and well-being was a common form of greeting. In this context, when you 'hail' someone, you are, in essence, extending a warm and enthusiastic greeting, often in a formal or respectful manner. The etymology of 'hail' highlights its historical association with well-wishing and the expression of goodwill towards others, which remains a fundamental aspect of its meaning today.

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Further usage examples of hail

1. The concert was hailed as a major success by critics and fans alike.
2. The new legislation is hailed by environmental activists as a significant victory.
3. If you hail a taxi in the city, make sure you have cash on hand.
4. You can also hail an Uber using your mobile phone.
5. The group's leader was hailed as a hero after the successful rescue mission.
6. His groundbreaking work continues to hail him as one of the most influential artists of his generation.
7. As we sailed closer, we could hail the other ship's crew on the radio.
8. The new CEO, who hails from a technology background, is expected to bring major changes to the company.
9. His innovative design was hailed as a game-changer in the industry.
10. Though she hails from a small village, her dreams are enormous and inspiring.
11. You can't just hail a bus like a taxi; you have to wait at the designated stop.
12. The festival was hailed as a symbol of unity and cultural exchange.
13. The incoming train was hailed by a chorus of whistles and shouts.
14. The crowd erupted to hail their victorious team with cheers.
15. As the leader arrived, his supporters gathered to hail him.
16. They gathered on the balcony to hail the newlyweds with applause.
17. The fans stood in line for hours to hail their favorite singer.
18. Citizens lined the streets to hail the visiting dignitary.
19. The president took a moment to hail the brave soldiers.
20. She raised her glass to hail the guest of honor at the party.
21. The crowd assembled to hail the hero of the rescue mission.
22. They waved flags to hail the passing parade.
23. The audience couldn't help but hail the talented performer.
24. The students gathered to hail their teacher on her retirement.