ouch

noun

\ ˈau̇ch

Definition of ouch

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 obsolete : clasp, brooch

2a : a setting for a precious stone thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold — Exodus 28:11 (King James Version)

b : jewel, ornament especially : a buckle or brooch set with precious stones your brooches, pearls, and ouches — William Shakespeare

ouch

interjection

Definition of ouch (Entry 2 of 2)

—used especially to express sudden pain

Examples of ouch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Every now and then, the tool edge would hit (ouch) the outer face of the upper teeth. — Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, "Was Science Wrong About Being Right?," 18 May 2018 The researchers, led by Anthony Lantian (a professor of psychology at the University Paris Nanterre), set out to examine the link between belief in conspiracy theories and the need for uniqueness (ouch). — Katie Heaney, The Cut, "Believing in UFOs Is More Fun When You’re the Only One," 21 Dec. 2017 Matt Nieto didn’t practice Wednesday after taking a Shea Weber slap shot (ouch) to the calf area in the third period of the Avalanche’s Tuesday victory over Montreal. — Terry Frei, The Denver Post, "Sidney Crosby, with Penguins’ dads in tow, hits Denver in search of 1,000th career point," 8 Feb. 2017 Ouch: Dan Otero had his left arm wrapped in an elastic sleeve from his elbow to his wrist. — Paul Hoynes, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Indians option Mike Clevinger to Class AAA Columbus, but he shall return," 7 June 2017 The green salsa has a mild tomatillo base; the dark red is smokey and rates a medium to medium-ouch depending on the day. — Jill Lightner, The Seattle Times, "A trip to Taco Street will be a bright spot in your day," 26 May 2017 OUCH: And the skies still aren't clear for Obamacare, which seems to have maxed out the number of people insured under it. — Paige Winfield Cunningham, Washington Post, "The Health 202: Conservative groups want seat at table in health-care overhaul," 16 May 2017 OUCH: More and more in the Trump era, business in Washington is happening behind closed doors, my colleagues Philip Rucker and Ed O'Keefe report. — Paige Winfield Cunningham, Washington Post, "The Health 202: Here's what we know about the Senate health-care bill," 20 June 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Interjection

Styr bludgeoned in the head with a hammer by Jon Snow Ouch. 12. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, "Game of Thrones," 29 Aug. 2017

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

History and Etymology for ouch

Noun

Middle English, alteration (from misdivision of a nouche) of nouche, from Anglo-French nusche, nouche, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German nusca clasp

Interjection

origin unknown

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