1 B1 informal
To shout in response to someone who has called or shouted at you
"He hollered across the yard, and after a moment she hollered back."
inseparable
holler back
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To respond or reply to someone who called out to you or contacted you
In plain English
Answer back when someone shouts or sends you a message
What does "holler back" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To reply to someone who has contacted you, in any form of communication
"Send me your résumé and I'll holler back once I've had a chance to look it over."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To shout in return toward the person who shouted first
Actually means
Answer back when someone shouts or sends you a message
Usage tip
More common in American informal English than British English. Can be used literally (shouting back) or figuratively (replying to a message or call). Often used as a casual way to ask someone to respond.
Words that pair with "holler back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
soon later if interested when you can message reply
How to conjugate "holler back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
holler back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hollers back
he/she/it
Past simple
hollered back
yesterday
Past participle
hollered back
have + pp
-ing form
hollering back
continuous
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