interjection

noun

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in·ter·jec·tion | \ ˌin-tər-ˈjek-shən

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

Synonyms for interjection

Synonyms

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 Young said in his release that the CCP’s interjection with the bill would only fuel its passage. — Fox News, 15 Nov. 2021 Four Hours lets its subjects speak without interjection or correction, a decision that seems to respect its audience’s ability to reason out the logical gaps. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2021 Your interjection should be substantial, but no more than a minute or two. — Forbes, 5 July 2021 With no dialogue, no subtitles or interjection, the movie is an immersive view of the animal world, with Gunda in particular emerging as an astonishing character. — Mark Olsen Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2021 There was a windmill dunk, a couple of Emoni Bates' trademarked stepback jumpers and even some jawing that prompted the interjection of game officials. — Tyler J. Davis, Detroit Free Press, 8 Mar. 2021 Not surprisingly, the interjection didn't sit well with Joy, who told Meghan that she wasn't finished speaking. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, 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, 9 Dec. 2020 His playful riffs dizzy themselves into a brooding lull, cut short by a crafty interjection from a hairdryer. — chicagotribune.com, 7 Oct. 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.