hee-haw

noun

ˈhē-ˌhȯ How to pronounce hee-haw (audio)
-ˈhȯ
Synonyms of hee-hawnext
1
: the bray of a donkey
2
: a loud rude laugh : guffaw
hee-haw intransitive verb

Synonyms of hee-haw

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Examples of hee-haw in a Sentence

the humor may have been corny and obvious, but the audience responded with hearty hee-haws
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The hee-haw of donkeys acts as the camp alarm, rousing us before sunrise each morning. — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

imitative

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hee-haw was in 1815

Rhymes for hee-haw

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Browse Nearby Words

Heeger
hee-haw
hee-hee
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Cite this Entry

“Hee-haw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hee-haw. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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