hoise: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Archaic/Rare)Archaic, Dialectal, Literary, Nautical (Historical)
Quick answer
What does “hoise” mean?
To raise or lift something up, especially with effort or mechanical means (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To raise or lift something up, especially with effort or mechanical means (e.g., using a rope, pulley, or crane).
An archaic, dialectal, or nautical term meaning to hoist or heave something aloft. It can also be used metaphorically for the act of elevating in status or condition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally archaic in both varieties but may have slightly stronger residual recognition in UK dialects, particularly in Scotland and Northern England. It appears more frequently in historical UK nautical writing.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of antiquity, physical labour, or historical authenticity. It is not used in contemporary standard English.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern usage. When encountered, it is almost exclusively in literary, historical, or dialectal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “hoise” in a Sentence
[Subject] hoise [Object] (up/aloft)[Subject] hoise [Object] with [Instrument]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hoise” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old chantey called for the crew to 'hoise the mainyard'.
- They managed to hoise the treasure chest from the sea floor.
American English
- In the historical novel, the pirates hoise the Jolly Roger.
- The settlers would hoise their supplies up to the treehouse.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or linguistic studies discussing archaic or dialectal vocabulary.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Potentially in historical re-enactment, traditional sailing, or discussions of historical texts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hoise”
- Using 'hoise' in modern writing instead of 'hoist'.
- Misspelling as 'hoist' when quoting an archaic text that uses 'hoise'.
- Pronouncing it with a /z/ sound at the end (it is /s/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is the older, historically correct form from which 'hoist' developed. 'Hoist' originated as the past tense and past participle of 'hoise'.
You should not use it in standard modern English, as it is archaic. Use 'hoist' instead. Using 'hoise' would be seen as an affectation or error unless in a deliberate historical, dialectal, or literary context.
Historically, both 'hoised' and 'hoist' were used. 'Hoist' became the standard past form and eventually replaced 'hoise' as the base verb.
Primarily in reading: older English literature (16th-18th centuries), regional dialect glossaries, historical documents (especially maritime), and etymological discussions.
To raise or lift something up, especially with effort or mechanical means (e.
Hoise is usually archaic, dialectal, literary, nautical (historical) in register.
Hoise: in British English it is pronounced /hɔɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɔɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hoised with his own petard (variant of 'hoist with his own petard')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an old sailor on a HOISting ship shouting "HOIse the sail!" The word sounds like a noisy, effortful 'hoise!' as the heavy sail goes up.
Conceptual Metaphor
RAISING IS ACHIEVING/IMPROVING (archaic): To be 'hoised' in status or fortune.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'hoise' be MOST appropriate?