huzzah: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareArchaic / Literary / Jocular
Quick answer
What does “huzzah” mean?
An exclamation of joy, approval, or celebration.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An exclamation of joy, approval, or celebration.
A shout of hurrah or enthusiastic acclamation, often used in historical or jocular contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage; both treat it as an archaic exclamation. More likely to be encountered in British contexts describing historical events or in classic literature.
Connotations
Connotes old-fashioned celebration, patriotism (e.g., in historical reenactments), or mock-heroic enthusiasm.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern usage for both. Slightly more likely in British historical narratives.
Grammar
How to Use “huzzah” in a Sentence
[Interjection] Huzzah![Verb] to huzzah for [someone/something][Noun] a huzzah from [the crowd]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “huzzah” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The spectators huzzahed loudly as the royal procession passed.
American English
- The audience huzzahed for the victorious general.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used only in historical or literary analysis.
Everyday
Used jokingly or in historical reenactment.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “huzzah”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “huzzah”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “huzzah”
- Using it in a sincere, modern context (e.g., 'Huzzah, I got the job!' sounds odd/pretentious).
- Misspelling as 'huzza' (an accepted variant) or 'huzzahh'.
- Pronouncing the 'z' as /z/ only; it's often a lengthened /zː/ or /zɑː/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are synonyms, but 'huzzah' is distinctly archaic and often associated with earlier historical periods (e.g., 18th-19th centuries), whereas 'hurrah'/'hooray' are modern.
Yes, though rare. As a verb, it means 'to shout huzzah' (e.g., 'The crowd huzzahed').
To create a historical, literary, or jocularly old-fashioned effect. Its use is almost always stylistically marked.
'Huzzah' is the most common modern spelling. 'Huzza' is an older, accepted variant. 'Huzzah' better represents the prolonged final syllable.
An exclamation of joy, approval, or celebration.
Huzzah is usually archaic / literary / jocular in register.
Huzzah: in British English it is pronounced /həˈzɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /həˈzɑː/ or /həˈzæ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Three huzzahs and a tiger (a traditional celebratory cheer)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HUZZAH sounds like a buzzing (ZZ) crowd of happy (HURRAH) people from a long time AGO (AH).
Conceptual Metaphor
CELEBRATION IS A VOCAL OUTBURST.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'huzzah' be MOST appropriately used today?