SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

ow

interjection
Save Word
\ ˈau̇ How to pronounce ow (audio) , ˈü \

Definition of ow

 (Entry 1 of 2)

—used especially to express sudden pain Ow! That hurts!

OW

abbreviation

Definition of OW (Entry 2 of 2)

one-way

First Known Use of ow

Interjection

1834, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for ow

Interjection

from ow, interjection expressing surprise, from Middle English

Learn More About ow

Dictionary Entries Near ow

ovum

ow

OW

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for ow

Cite this Entry

“Ow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ow. Accessed 30 Jun. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

More from Merriam-Webster on ow

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ow

WORD OF THE DAY

scintillate

Listen to the pronunciation of scintillate

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Which Word Does Not Belong?

  • one green toy robot amidst many red toy robots
  • Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games