ow

1 of 2

interjection

ˈau̇

ˈü

Synonyms of ow next

—used especially to express sudden pain

Ow! That hurts!

OW

2 of 2

abbreviation

one-way

Word History

Etymology

Interjection

from ow, interjection expressing surprise, from Middle English

First Known Use

Interjection

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of ow was in 1834

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Browse Nearby Words

ovum

ow

OW

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Ow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ow. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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Kids Definition

ow

interjection

ˈau̇

ˈü

—used especially to express sudden pain

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ow

interjection

abbreviation

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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