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interjection

noun
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in·​ter·​jec·​tion | \ ˌin-tər-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce interjection (audio) \

Definition of interjection

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
2a : the act of uttering exclamations : ejaculation
b : the act of putting in between : interposition
3 : something that is interjected or that interrupts
Synonyms What is an interjection? Example Sentences Learn More about interjection

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Synonyms for interjection

Synonyms

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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.

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 Not surprisingly, the interjection didn't sit well with Joy, who told Meghan that she wasn't finished speaking. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "'The View' Star Meghan McCain Posts a Cryptic Tweet Following Intense Exchange With Joy Behar," 10 Jan. 2021 Aiko’s Grammy album-of-the-year-nominated third studio album rolls like an hourlong monologue during a midnight cruise from Ladera Heights to Sunset Boulevard — with the occasional cellphone interjection from collaborators. — Los Angeles Times, "The 10 best L.A. albums of 2020," 9 Dec. 2020 His playful riffs dizzy themselves into a brooding lull, cut short by a crafty interjection from a hairdryer. — chicagotribune.com, "Remembering Eddie Van Halen: His 20 greatest performances," 7 Oct. 2020 So those are the – again, the two points of interjection between me and the force. — CBS News, "Retired Admiral Bill McRaven and Michael Morell on the Raid on Osama bin Laden's Compound," 16 Sep. 2020 The veteran quarterback was famous — and occasionally infamous — for his vocal interjections. — oregonlive, "Chargers’ Hunter Henry excited to see what team can do on offense," 3 May 2020 The house’s largely unbothered rhythms are broken by interjections from a panel of commentators, who watch footage from the house at another location, in real time. — Bryan Washington, The New Yorker, "On Loving “Terrace House” Now More Than Ever," 26 Apr. 2020 There were also some lewd interjections about gynecology appointments, which made the video go all the more viral. — Katie Mettler, Washington Post, "She’s running? Cardi B: ‘I think I want to be a politician.’," 13 Jan. 2020 Roberts' admonishment was his first major interjection in the trial. — William Cummings, USA TODAY, "Chief Justice John Roberts drops 'pettifogging' bomb while reprimanding both sides in impeachment trial," 22 Jan. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'interjection.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of interjection

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

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Time Traveler for interjection

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The first known use of interjection was in the 15th century

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Statistics for interjection

Last Updated

19 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Interjection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interjection. Accessed 21 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for interjection

interjection

noun
How to pronounce interjection (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of interjection

grammar : a spoken word, phrase, or sound that expresses sudden or strong feeling

See the full definition for interjection in the English Language Learners Dictionary

interjection

noun
in·​ter·​jec·​tion | \ ˌin-tər-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce interjection (audio) \

Kids Definition of interjection

1 : a word or cry (as “ouch”) expressing sudden or strong feeling
2 : the act of inserting or including something

More from Merriam-Webster on interjection

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for interjection

Nglish: Translation of interjection for Spanish Speakers

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