# hailing

/ˈheɪɫɪŋ/ (US) · /hˈeɪlɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hailing
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

calling out to get someone's attention, like a taxi driver, or coming from a specific place. It also describes small balls of ice falling from the sky.

For teachers: signalling to a vehicle to stop or calling out to attract attention; also refers to originating from a place or the falling of frozen rain. Present participle form of 'hail'.

## Examples

- She is hailing a taxi on the busy street corner.
- The local newspaper is hailing the young scientist as a hero for her recent breakthrough in renewable energy.
- While the storm was hailing outside, the delegates were hailing from all corners of the globe to attend the international summit on climate change and urban development.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is hailing to a taxi." but "He is hailing a taxi." — When used to mean 'signalling for a vehicle', the verb is transitive and does not require a preposition.

## Usage notes

- When used to mean 'originating from', it is almost always followed by the preposition 'from'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.