yo-heave-ho

[ yoh-heev-hoh ]
/ ˈyoʊˈhivˈhoʊ /

interjection

(a chant formerly shouted by sailors to maintain a steady rhythm when hauling something together.)

Origin of yo-heave-ho

First recorded in 1795–1805

Words nearby yo-heave-ho

ymca, ymha, ymir, yngling, yo, yo-heave-ho, yo-ho, yo-ho-ho, yo-yo, yo-yo dieting, yob

Example sentences from the Web for yo-heave-ho

  • But the next instant we were ready for him, and began to haul in with a will and a "yo-heave-ho!"

    Barney Blake, The Boy Privateer |Herrick Johnstone

  • "nautical," however, the lack of the "Yo-heave-ho" touch in the Yankee sailor-man is by no means in his disfavour.

    Stories of the Ships |Lewis R. Freeman

  • The men did “hold on” most powerfully; they did more, they hauled upon the rope, hand over hand, to a “Yo-heave-ho!”

    The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands |R.M. Ballantyne

British Dictionary definitions for yo-heave-ho

yo-heave-ho
/ (ˌjəʊhiːvˈhəʊ) /

interjection

a cry formerly used by sailors while pulling or lifting together in rhythm