ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hype

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈhaɪp// UK //hˈaɪp// hype
  1. 1 exaggerated promotion (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a lot of excitement or praise for something, often more than it deserves.

    intensive or exaggerated publicity or promotion, often intended to create a sense of urgency or importance around a product or event.

    Example

    The new movie didn't really live up to all the hype.

    Example

    Despite the massive marketing hype surrounding the product launch, initial sales figures were surprisingly modest.

    Usage

    Often used with the verb 'live up to'.
  2. 2 to promote heavily (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to talk about something a lot to make people excited about it.

    to promote or publicise a product or idea intensively, often using exaggerated claims.

    Example

    The company is trying to hype their new app before it even comes out.

    Example

    The media began to hype the upcoming match weeks in advance, framing it as the greatest sporting event of the decade.

    Usage

    Often used as the phrasal verb 'hype up'.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 excited (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Slang

    feeling very excited or energetic about something.

    experiencing a state of high excitement or anticipation.

    Example

    The crowd was so hype when the band finally walked onto the stage.

    Example

    The players were incredibly hype in the locker room, fueled by the prospect of winning their first championship title.

    Teacher's tip

    In formal writing, use 'excited' or 'enthusiastic' instead of this slang adjective form.
Origin

Clipping of hyperbole.

© 2026 English Reference