Hey/heɪ/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Attention Grabber Use 'hey' to catch someone's attention, especially if they seem distracted. Hey, you've dropped your keys! Pro Tip 2/3Express Disagreement 'Hey' can show you disagree with something or find it unfair, often in a casual way. Hey, that's not what we agreed on! Pro Tip 3/3Startle Response Saying 'hey' can be a spontaneous reaction when something surprising happens. Hey! You scared me!