First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1hail
noun \ˈhāl\
Definition of HAIL
1
: precipitation in the form of small balls or lumps usually consisting of concentric layers of clear ice and compact snow
2
: something that gives the effect of a shower of hail <a hail of rifle fire>
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Origin of HAIL
Middle English, from Old English hægl; akin to Old High German hagal hail
Rhymes with HAIL
2hail
verb
Definition of HAIL
intransitive verb
1
: to precipitate hail <it was hailing hard>
2
: to pour down or strike like hail
First Known Use of HAIL
before 12th century
3hail
interjection
Definition of HAIL
1
archaic —used as a salutation
2
—used to express acclamation <hail to the chief — Sir Walter Scott>
Origin of HAIL
Middle English, from Old Norse heill, from heill healthy — more at whole
First Known Use: 13th century
4hail
verb
Definition of HAIL
transitive verb
2
: to greet or summon by calling <hail a taxi>
intransitive verb
: to call out; especially : to call a greeting to a passing ship
— hail·er \hā-lər\ noun
— hail from
: to be or have been native to or a resident of
First Known Use of HAIL
13th century
5hail
noun
Definition of HAIL
1
: an exclamation of greeting or acclamation
2
: a calling to attract attention
3
: hearing distance <stayed within hail>
First Known Use of HAIL
1500
HAIL Defined for Kids
1hail
noun \ˈhāl\
Definition of HAIL for Kids
1
: small lumps of ice and snow that fall from the clouds sometimes during thunderstorms
2
: 1volley 1 <a hail of bullets>
2hail
verb
hailedhail·ing
Definition of HAIL for Kids
1
: to fall as hail <It's hailing hard.>
2
: to pour down like hail <Confetti hailed on the parade.>
3hail
verb
hailedhailing
Definition of HAIL for Kids
2
: to call out to <I'll hail a taxi.>
— hail from
: to come from <She hails from Oklahoma.>
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