hoot
hoot — noun
- hootsingular
- hootsplural
1. the low repeated calling sound that an owl makes, most often heard at night
the low repeated calling sound that an owl makes, most often heard at night
An owl's hoot echoed through the dark forest as they set up camp.
typical structure: an owl's hoot / the hoot of an owl
Esme woke to the sound of a soft hoot coming from the pine tree outside.
A single owl hoot broke the silence of the empty street at midnight.
The hoot of an owl drifted through the open window as Mei read in bed.
Lucía heard an owl hoot from the tall pine tree beside her tent.
2. a sharp, loud shout a person or crowd makes to show disapproval or mockery
a sharp, loud shout a person or crowd makes to show disapproval or mockery
A loud hoot came from the crowd when the referee made a bad call.
Ife let out a hoot of disbelief when she saw the mess in the kitchen.
collocation: let out a hoot of + [reaction]
Rohan's speech was interrupted by hoots and whistles from the back of the hall.
The driver gave an angry hoot on his horn as the cyclist cut in front.
Anya heard hoots of protest rising from the audience during the mayor's speech.
用法筆記
Often found with 'of' to name the feeling behind the sound: hoots of laughter, hoots of protest, hoots of derision.
3. a tiny amount of something, or something of almost no value — used almost exclus
a tiny amount of something, or something of almost no value — used almost exclusively in negative phrases to mean you do not care at all
Aaron doesn't give a hoot about what people think of his bright green shoes.
negative phrase: not give a hoot
The old computer wasn't worth a hoot, so Ziad recycled it.
negative phrase: not worth a hoot
Sivan never gave a hoot about winning — she just enjoyed playing the game.
Anong doesn't give a hoot about the scratch her nephew left on the coffee table.
Darius never gave a hoot about fashion until he started his new job.
文法句型
not give a hoot
not worth a hoot
用法筆記
Almost always used in negative constructions. The most common form is 'not give a hoot,' meaning to not care at all. The positive form ('give a hoot') is rare and sounds unnatural to most speakers.
常見錯誤
hoot — verb
- hootpresent simple I / you / we / they
- hootshe / she / it
- hootedpast simple
- hooting-ing form
1. to make the low, repeated sound that owls produce, especially at night
to make the low, repeated sound that owls produce, especially at night
An owl hooted somewhere in the darkness as they walked back to the cabin.
typical usage: owl + hoot + location
Darius heard an owl hooting from the old barn while he stacked firewood behind the farmhouse.
The owl in the church tower hoots every evening just after the sun goes down.
Ife stopped reading and smiled — an owl was hooting softly in the garden below.
The campers heard an owl hooting deep in the woods, but couldn't spot it.
用法筆記
Subject is almost always an owl. Do not confuse with verb sense 2 (JEER), which describes people shouting in disapproval or mockery.
2. to produce a high-pitched shout or noise, especially one that shows you strongly
to produce a high-pitched shout or noise, especially one that shows you strongly disapprove of someone or find them ridiculous
The audience hooted loudly when the actor tripped over a prop chair and fell into the curtain.
A few people began to hoot and stamp their feet during the speech.
collocation: hoot and stamp
Yara's older brother hooted with laughter when she tripped over the garden hose.
The taxi driver hooted at the pedestrian who stepped into the road without looking.
Eri hooted in protest when the teacher announced a surprise test on Friday afternoon.
文法句型
hoot at + someone/something
用法筆記
Often followed by 'at' when the jeering is directed at a specific person. Can also describe car horns and other loud mechanical warning sounds. Distinguish from verb sense 1 (OWL CALL), which is used only for the sound owls make.