1. Sound:
* The sound made by an owl: This is the most common and original meaning of "hoot." It's a loud, deep, and often haunting sound.
* A similar sound made by other animals: Sometimes "hoot" is used to describe the sounds of other birds, like the hoot owl (a type of owl). It can also refer to other animal calls.
2. Informal Expression:
* To shout or yell: This usage is more informal and can mean expressing excitement or enthusiasm. For example, "We hooted with laughter" or "The crowd hooted their approval."
* To make a sound similar to an owl's hoot: This meaning is often used in a playful way. For example, "The kids hooted at the spooky clown."
3. Other Meanings:
* A party or celebration: This meaning is rarer but can be found in some contexts.
* A small or insignificant amount: This meaning is slang and can be used as "a hoot" meaning "very little."
In conclusion: "Hoot" is a versatile word with different meanings depending on the context. It's most commonly associated with the sound of an owl, but it can also be used as a synonym for shouting or yelling.