hubbub

Definition

A confused uproar, commotion, tumult or racket.

Etymology

Mid 16th c. Perhaps from Irish; compare Irish ababú!, abú! (battle-cry), Scottish Gaelic ub! ub! (expressing contempt, etc.), ubh ubh! (expressing disgust).

Example Sentences

• "At length a universal hubbub wild Of stunning sounds and voices all confused, Borne through the hollow dark, assaults his ear With loudest vehemence."
• "What's all the hubbub, bub?"