interjection

noun

in·​ter·​jec·​tion ˌin-tər-ˈjek-shən 

1

: an ejaculatory utterance usually lacking grammatical connection: such as

a

: a word or phrase used in exclamation (such as Heavens! Dear me!)

b

: a cry or inarticulate utterance (such as Alas! ouch! phooey! ugh!) expressing an emotion

2

a

: the act of uttering exclamations : ejaculation

b

: the act of putting in between : interposition

3

: something that is interjected or that interrupts

Did you know?

What is an interjection?

An interjection is a word or phrase that is grammatically independent from the words around it, and mainly expresses feeling rather than meaning.

Oh, what a beautiful house!

Uh-oh, this looks bad.

Well, it's time to say good night.

Actually, um, it's not my dog.

Shoot. I thought I'd fixed that.

I can't believe I lost the key! Ugh!

Interjections are common in speech and are much more common in electronic messages than in other types of writing.

Synonyms

• cry
• exclamation
• shout
• ejaculation
• scream
• shriek

Examples of interjection in a Sentence

interjections such as “oh,” “alas,” and “wow”

a chorus of angry interjections greeted the announcement that our flight would be delayed

Recent Examples on the Web

Skinner's interjection became one of the biggest twists of the viral feud sensation between Gaines and Biles in early June. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025

The sketch concluded with Fey’s Noem defending ICE and reenacting a recruitment video for the agency (with a few interjections from Poehler's Bondi). —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Oct. 2025

Having been friends and collaborators for over two decades, the group's conversations are lively and filled with excited interjections, ultimately leading to agreement. —Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025

Honey Don’t feels like an odd interjection into a cinematic conversation that was already underway. —James Factora, Them., 21 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for interjection

• circumspection
• disaffection
• disconnection
• disinfection
• dorsiflexion
• imperfection
• indirection
• insurrection
• intellection
• intersection
• introjection
• introspection

Kids Definition

interjection

noun

in·​ter·​jec·​tion ˌint-ər-ˈjek-shən 

1

: an interjecting of something

2

: something interjected

3

: a word or cry expressing sudden or strong feeling

interjectional

-shnəl

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

interjectionally

-shnəl-ē

-shən-ᵊl-ē

adverb