Search Dictionary
Definition of ballyhoo
ballyhoo
/ˈbæliˌhuː/
bal · ly · hoo
Plural:ballyhoos
•Past Simple:ballyhooed
•Past Participle:ballyhooed
•Present Participle:ballyhooing
ballyhoo Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
10
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
ballyhoo Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
Extravagant, sensational, or flamboyant publicity and advertising.
Example
"Despite all the ballyhoo surrounding the product launch, initial sales figures remained surprisingly low."
2
A noisy clamor, uproar, or commotion.
Example
"We could not understand what all the sudden ballyhoo in the town square was about."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for ballyhoo Antonyms
View all antonyms for ballyhoo• verb
1
To praise or publicize extravagantly; to promote with sensational or noisy fuss.
Example
"The media aggressively ballyhooed the new novel as a literary masterpiece long before its publication."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for ballyhoo Antonyms
View all antonyms for ballyhoo• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Originating in the late 19th century American circus slang, 'ballyhoo' originally referred to a short promotional performance or spiel given outside a sideshow tent to draw a paying crowd. Its ultimate etymological roots remain uncertain.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ballyhoo. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ballyhoo