alala: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low / Obsolete / TechnicalLiterary / Historical / Technical (ornithology) / Poetic
Quick answer
What does “alala” mean?
A battle cry or shout, especially one of triumph or defiance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A battle cry or shout, especially one of triumph or defiance; in ancient contexts, associated with the Greek war cry.
Any loud, enthusiastic shout or cry, often in a celebratory or supportive context (e.g., at a sports event). Also used in ornithology as a genus name for the Hawaiian crow (Corvus hawaiiensis).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage, as the word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of antiquity, classical literature, or specialized ornithological knowledge.
Frequency
Virtually never used in everyday speech in either variety. Might appear marginally more in British texts due to classical education traditions, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “alala” in a Sentence
[Subject] + raise/give + an alalaThe alala + of + [group/army] + verbVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alala” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The supporters began to alala as the winning goal was scored.
- They alala'd their way through the streets in celebration.
American English
- Fans alalaed when the home run was hit.
- Protestors alalaed in defiance outside the capitol.
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare; not standard usage)
American English
- (Extremely rare; not standard usage)
adjective
British English
- The alala shout echoed across the stadium.
- He let out an alala cry of victory.
American English
- An alala chant rose from the crowd.
- The team's alala spirit was infectious.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in classical studies, history, or ornithology papers.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
In ornithology: 'The 'Alalā (Hawaiian crow) is critically endangered.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alala”
- Using it as a modern, common word for any shout.
- Pronouncing it with stress on the first syllable (AH-la-la). Correct stress is on the second syllable.
- Confusing it with the similar-sounding 'hallelujah' or 'ola'.
- Capitalizing it when not referring to the proper noun (the bird genus).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and is considered archaic or highly specialized. You will almost never encounter it in everyday conversation or modern writing outside of specific contexts.
Its primary origin is Ancient Greek (ἀλαλά), where it was an onomatopoeic term for a war cry, shout, or a personification of the cry itself as a minor deity.
The standard pronunciation is /əˈlɑːlə/ (uh-LAH-luh), with the primary stress on the second syllable. The first and last 'a' sounds are like the 'a' in 'about'.
Yes, but it is very unconventional. As a back-formation, one could use it to mean 'to shout a cry of triumph or defiance' (e.g., 'The crowd alalaed'), but this would be considered non-standard and creative usage.
A battle cry or shout, especially one of triumph or defiance.
Alala is usually literary / historical / technical (ornithology) / poetic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none established in modern English)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine ancient Greek warriors shouting 'A-LA-LA!' as they charge. It sounds like a rhythmic, loud cheer.
Conceptual Metaphor
VOCALIZATION IS A WEAPON (for the war cry sense).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is 'Alalā' used as a contemporary technical term?