heave-ho

noun

: dismissal
gave him the old heave-ho

Examples of heave-ho in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Harmon gave Nolte the heave-ho and Masariu escorted the still-enraged, still-muttering coach off the court, toward the locker room. The Indianapolis Star, 12 Jan. 2024 As Democrats gave a handful of centrists the heave-ho, Republicans rejected some of their more strident MAGA candidates. Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 21 June 2023 The cargo area is big enough for five occupants' luggage, but the high floor means loading heavy bags requires a heave-ho. Tony Quiroga, Car and Driver, 23 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'heave-ho.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from heave ho!, interjection used when heaving on a rope

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heave-ho was in 1947

Dictionary Entries Near heave-ho

Cite this Entry

“Heave-ho.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heave-ho. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on heave-ho

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!