oy

interjection

ˈȯi How to pronounce oy (audio)
—used especially to express exasperation or dismay
Oy, what a mess.
Oy, what arrogance.
Oy, my feet are killing me.

Examples of oy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But, oy, those last few episodes really jumped the hellhound. — Andrew A. Smith Tribune News Service, Star Tribune, 22 Feb. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Yiddish

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oy was in 1892

Phrases Containing oy

Rhymes for oy

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Browse Nearby Words

oxywelding
oy
oyapock
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Cite this Entry

“Oy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

oy

interjection
ˈȯi How to pronounce oy (audio)
—used especially to express annoyance or dismay
oy, what a mess
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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