# howdy

/ˈhaʊdi/ (US) · /hˈaʊdi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Interjection

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/howdy
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

a friendly way to say hello to someone. It is a casual greeting used mostly in certain parts of the United States.

For teachers: a casual greeting used as a contraction of 'how do ye' or 'how do you do'. Primarily associated with Southern and Western American English dialects.

## Examples

- Howdy, it is nice to meet you.
- The shopkeeper gave a cheerful howdy to every customer who walked through the door.

## Usage notes

- Used as a standalone greeting or followed by a name; informal in register.

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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.