Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - whoop

 I. verb  Etymology: Middle English whopen, houpen, from Anglo-French huper, of imitative origin  Date: 14th century  intransitive verb  1. to utter a ~ in expression of eagerness, enthusiasm, or enjoyment ; shout  2. to utter the cry of an owl ; hoot  3. to make the characteristic ~ of ~ing cough  4.  a. to go or pass with a loud noise  b. to be rushed through by acclamation or with noisy support the bill ~ed through both houses  transitive verb  1.  a. to utter or express with a ~  b. to urge, drive, or cheer on with a ~  2. to agitate in behalf of  3. raise, boost ~ up the price  II. noun  Date: 14th century  1.  a. a loud yell expressive of eagerness, exuberance, or jubilation — often used interjectionally  b. a shout of hunters or of men in battle or pursuit  2. the cry of an owl ; hoot  3. the crowing intake of breath following a paroxysm in ~ing cough  4. a minimum amount or degree ; the least bit not worth a ~