hail
hail Lexical Profile
hail Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To praise or enthusiastically approve of someone or something, often publicly.
"The critics hailed the independent film as a cinematic masterpiece."
To call out to someone in order to attract their attention, particularly to summon a vehicle.
"She stepped to the edge of the curb and raised her hand to hail a taxi."
To precipitate or fall as pellets of ice during a storm.
"It began to hail so intensely that drivers had to safely pull their cars off the road."
• noun
Pellets of frozen rain that fall in showers from cumulonimbus clouds.
"The sudden drop in temperature was followed by heavy hail that severely damaged the apple orchards."
A large number of objects, questions, or criticisms directed forcefully at someone or something.
"The politician faced a hail of difficult questions during the impromptu press conference."
A call or greeting used to attract attention.
"She answered his friendly hail from across the crowded street."
• interjection
Used to express greeting, tribute, or respectful acclaim.
"Hail to the champions who have returned victorious!"
Word Nuance & Usage
The word 'hail' has two completely distinct etymologies: one for frozen precipitation and one for greeting or acclaim. It should not be confused with its homophone 'hale', which means healthy and strong (as in 'hale and hearty').
• Rhymes for hail
Word Origin & Etymology
Derives from two distinct roots. The weather term comes from Old English 'hægl', of Germanic origin. The greeting and verb for acclaim come from the Old Norse 'heill', meaning 'health, prosperity, or good luck'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.