Definition of interjection
1a : the act of uttering exclamations : ejaculationb : the act of putting in between : interposition
2 : an ejaculatory utterance usually lacking grammatical connection: such asa : 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
3 : something that is interjected or that interrupts
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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 of interjection from the Web
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The sassy post continues the dictionary's streak of tweets timed to serve as sharp interjections in the cultural or political debate of the day.
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McConnell will plunge ahead with a repeal-and-replace effort, despite the president’s interjection.
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Mostly gone were the overly complicated sci-fi interjections and just-obscure-enough pop culture references Oswalt is known for.
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In its seventh season, David Feherty hasn’t exhausted guests, material or personal interjections that lead to an authentic, humorous and often heart-warming agenda.
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Alexie’s expertly paced text zips along with loving interjections from the boy’s entire family, led by a precocious little sister.
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.
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.
First Known Use of interjection
15th century
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
INTERJECTION Defined for English Language Learners
interjection
playDefinition of interjection for English Language Learners
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grammar : a spoken word, phrase, or sound that expresses sudden or strong feeling
INTERJECTION Defined for Kids
interjection
playDefinition of interjection for Students
1 : a word or cry (as “ouch”) expressing sudden or strong feeling
2 : the act of inserting or including something
Learn More about interjection
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See words that rhyme with interjection Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for interjection Spanish Central: Translation of interjection Nglish: Translation of interjection for Spanish speakers
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