ouch

1 of 2

interjection

used especially to express sudden pain

ouch

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: a setting for a precious stone
thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of goldExodus 28:11 (King James Version)
b
: jewel, ornament
especially : a buckle or brooch set with precious stones
your brooches, pearls, and ouches William Shakespeare
2
obsolete : clasp, brooch

Word History

Etymology

Interjection

origin unknown

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

First Known Use

Interjection

1838, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of ouch was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near ouch

Cite this Entry

“Ouch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ouch. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

ouch

interjection
ˈau̇ch
used to express sudden pain

More from Merriam-Webster on ouch

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!