English · Greetings & Phrases
hello
/həˈloʊ/
[/həˈloʊ/]
a greeting
Beginnerinterjection
Definition
A common word used to greet someone or to begin a conversation, in person or on the phone.
Example
She smiled and said hello to everyone as she walked into the busy office.
She smiled and said hello to everyone as she walked into the busy office.
Etymology
First recorded in the early 19th century, popularized as a telephone greeting after Thomas Edison suggested it.
How & Where It’s Used
Used in nearly every situation, from casual to formal, and is the standard way to answer a phone in English.
Cultural Note
"Hello" became the standard telephone greeting largely thanks to Edison.