# hallelujah

/ˌhæɫəˈɫujə/ (US) · /hˌælɪlˈuːjɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Interjection

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hallelujah
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

an expression of great joy, praise, or thanks. You use it when you are very happy that something good has finally happened.

For teachers: an exclamation used to express praise or gratitude to God, or more generally to convey intense relief or jubilation. Often functions as a standalone utterance in both liturgical and secular contexts.

## Examples

- Hallelujah! I finally passed my driving test.
- The crowd shouted hallelujah as the rain finally began to fall after months of drought.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used as a standalone exclamation; when used as a noun, it refers to the song or shout itself.

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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.