hoover: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, everyday (especially BrE). Neutral in AmE for the brand, but generic use is informal.
Quick answer
What does “hoover” mean?
A brand name that has become a generic term for a vacuum cleaner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A brand name that has become a generic term for a vacuum cleaner.
As a verb: to clean something with a vacuum cleaner. Often used metaphorically to mean 'to consume or acquire something quickly and completely'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In BrE, 'hoover' is commonly used as both a noun (for any vacuum cleaner) and a verb ('to hoover'). In AmE, 'Hoover' is primarily recognized as a specific brand name. Americans are more likely to say 'vacuum' or 'vacuum cleaner' for the generic item and 'to vacuum' for the action.
Connotations
In BrE, it carries a neutral, everyday connotation. In AmE, using 'hoover' generically might sound slightly British or dated.
Frequency
Very high frequency in BrE for both noun and verb. Low-to-medium frequency in AmE, mostly as a brand reference or in set phrases.
Grammar
How to Use “hoover” in a Sentence
NP hoover (NP) (up)NP hoover NP (Adv)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hoover” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I need to hoover the stairs before the guests arrive.
- Can you hoover up those crumbs from the sofa?
American English
- She bought a Hoover to clean her new apartment. (Brand reference)
- (Less common) He hoovered the entire first floor. (May sound British.)
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial use.
American English
- No standard adverbial use.
adjective
British English
- This hoover bag is full.
- She prefers a cordless hoover model.
American English
- The Hoover Dam is a major tourist attraction. (Unrelated proper noun)
- He replaced the Hoover belt. (Brand-specific)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Avoided in formal product descriptions unless referring specifically to the brand to prevent trademark issues.
Academic
Rare; 'vacuum cleaning' would be used.
Everyday
Extremely common in BrE. Common in AmE only in the context of the brand.
Technical
'Vacuum cleaner' is the standard technical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hoover”
- Capitalization: Often written in lowercase ('hoover') when used generically, but the trademark is 'Hoover'.
- Overextension in AmE: Using 'hoover' as a verb in the US may cause confusion.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, especially in British English. It is a well-established verb meaning 'to vacuum clean'. In American English, 'to vacuum' is more common for this meaning.
When referring specifically to the brand, use the capital 'H' (Hoover). When using it generically, especially as a verb, it is often written in lowercase ('hoover'), though this is a trademark issue.
Functionally, they refer to the same action or device. 'Hoover' is a brand name that became generic, primarily in the UK. 'Vacuum' (or 'vacuum cleaner') is the standard, non-brand-specific term used globally and in more formal contexts.
Yes. Phrases like 'hoover up information', 'hoover up awards', or 'hoover up the competition' are common, meaning to acquire or consume something rapidly and thoroughly.
A brand name that has become a generic term for a vacuum cleaner.
Hoover is usually informal, everyday (especially bre). neutral in ame for the brand, but generic use is informal. in register.
Hoover: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhuːvə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhuvər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hoover up (information/money/prizes): to acquire something in large quantities and quickly.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the famous US President Herbert HOOVER vigorously cleaning the White House carpets. The brand name became the action.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLEANING IS CONSUMING / REMOVING ('hoover up dust', 'hoover up profits').
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'hoover' MOST commonly used as a generic verb meaning 'to clean with a vacuum cleaner'?