hail

word

/ˈheɪɫ/
hayl
/hˈeɪl/
hayl

Definition

Hail is small balls of ice that fall from the sky like rain. As a verb, it can also mean to praise something enthusiastically or to call out to greet or stop someone.

Usage & Nuances

Most commonly, 'hail' means the weather phenomenon and is uncountable in general statements: 'There was hail last night.' For the verb, 'hail as' is common in formal writing ('hailed as a genius'), while 'hail a taxi' means signal one to stop.

Example Sentences

It started to hail during the storm.

basic

The movie was hailed as a success.

basic

She tried to hail a taxi.

basic

We had to pull over because it was hailing so hard.

natural

That young scientist is being hailed as the future of the field.

natural

I stood in the rain for ten minutes trying to hail a cab.

natural