Definition of oh
1 —used to express an emotion (such as surprise or desire) or in response to physical stimuli Oh, no! I forgot my key. Oh, don't stop!
2 —used in direct address oh, waiter! Will you come here, please?
3 —used to express acknowledgment or understanding of a statement Oh, yes. It's one of my favorite cities.
4 —used to introduce an example or approximation Their house is about, oh, I'd say four miles from here.
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Origin and Etymology of oh
Middle English o
First Known Use: 13th century
Origin and Etymology of oh
o; from the similarity of the symbol for zero (0) to the letter O
First Known Use: 1936
OH Defined for English Language Learners
oh
playDefinition of oh for English Language Learners
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—used to express surprise, happiness, disappointment, or sadness
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—used in response to a physical sensation (such as pain)
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—used to address someone directly
oh
playDefinition of oh for English Language Learners
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—used to show the way the number 0 is often pronounced
OH Defined for Kids
oh
playO
\ō, ˈō\Definition of oh for Students
1 —used to express an emotion (as surprise or pain) Oh, why did I ever come here?
2 —used in direct address Oh, children, stop that noise!
OH
Definition of OH for Students
Ohio
Learn More about oh
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See words that rhyme with oh Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for oh Spanish Central: Translation of oh Nglish: Translation of oh for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of oh for Arabic speakers
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