ow

1 of 2

interjection

ˈau̇ How to pronounce ow (audio) ˈü How to pronounce ow (audio)
Synonyms of ownext
—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

Rhymes for ow

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Browse Nearby Words

ovum
ow
OW
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Cite this Entry

“Ow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ow. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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Kids Definition

ow

interjection
ˈau̇ How to pronounce ow (audio)
ˈü
—used especially to express sudden pain

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