ugh

interjection

often read as
ˈəg How to pronounce ugh (audio)
or
ˈəḵ How to pronounce ugh (audio)
or
ˈə How to pronounce ugh (audio)
Synonyms of ughnext
used to indicate the sound of a cough or grunt or to express disgust or horror

Examples of ugh in a Sentence

ugh, this oven desperately needs to be cleaned
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ludwig Göransson’s original score victory (ugh, during commercial break) for the film conveys its technical strength heading into the guild part of the phase two season. Clayton Davis, Variety, 12 Jan. 2026 The Bruins of the (ugh) Big Ten Conference highlight the 2026 Rady’s field at Jenny Craig Pavilion, one that also includes Georgetown, Texas and Saint Mary’s. Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Dec. 2025 But Steve Bannon is going like, ugh, Jihadi, Marxist Bolshevik. Zoë Schiffer, Wired News, 17 Nov. 2025 The first date of the week is a group date for Nicolle, Geri, Robin, Amy, Monica B., Cindy, Terri, Cheryl, Carol … ugh this is getting exhausting … everyone except Debbie. Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2025 But the thing is, there are so many ways to talk about that feeling — like, ugh, men. Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2025 Sure, a little trash talk is part of football culture (or, in the case of NFL fans and Swift, straight-up booing her, ugh), but doesn’t the literal president of the United States have anything better to think about? Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 29 Apr. 2025 My 9/11 diary entry is written in a spiral notebook with a cartoon cat on the front and the next page says 'ugh Megan is mad at me. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ugh was in 1678

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ugh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ugh. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

ugh

interjection
often read as
ˈəg How to pronounce ugh (audio)
or
ˈəḵ How to pronounce ugh (audio)
or ˈə
used for various sounds that express disgust or horror
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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