hi

1 of 2

interjection

ˈhī(-ē) How to pronounce hi (audio)
—used especially as a greeting
just called to say hi

HI

2 of 2

abbreviation

1
Hawaii
2
high intensity
3
humidity index

Examples of hi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Interjection
Head to the tasting room to enjoy beers on the grassy lawn and say hi to the brewery dogs. — Vivian Chung, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026 Speaking of season-long slumps, hi Mookie! — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 Just by showing up, Popovich made a statement before Wembanyama even got a chance to say hi. — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 13 May 2026 The only player that came to say hi was Noah Allen and everyone else goes straight to the locker room. — Miami Herald, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hi

Word History

Etymology

Interjection

Middle English hy

First Known Use

Interjection

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hi was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing hi

Rhymes for hi

See All Rhymes for hi

Browse Nearby Words

HHS
hi
HI
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hi. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

hi

interjection
ˈhī(-ē) How to pronounce hi (audio)
—used especially as a greeting

Medical Definition

HI

abbreviation
hemagglutination inhibition

More from Merriam-Webster on hi

Nglish: Translation of hi for Spanish Speakers

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