SINCE 1828
whoa
imperative verb
\ ˈwō
, ˈhō, ˈhwō
\
, ˈhō, ˈhwō
\
Definition of whoa
1
—a command (as to a draft animal) to stand still
2
: cease or slow a course of action or a line of thought : pause to consider or reconsider
—often used to express a strong reaction (such as alarm or astonishment)
Keep scrolling for more
Learn More about whoa
From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
Words We're Watching: 'Woah'
Words We're Watching: 'Woah'
Is it time to accept 'woah' as an acceptable spelling of 'whoa'?
Dictionary Entries near whoa
Statistics for whoa
Look-up Popularity
Time Traveler for whoa
The first known use of whoa was in the 15th century
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for whoa
whoa
verb
\ ˈwō
, ˈhō, ˈhwō\
, ˈhō, ˈhwō\
Kids Definition of whoa
—used as a command to an animal carrying a rider or pulling a load to stop
Comments on whoa
What made you want to look up whoa? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
A Green Quiz
-
- What is the best definition of green-eyed monster?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
A Green Quiz
How many questions can you answer about the word "green"?
Take the quiz -
Return of Name that Color!
Additional colors! More obscure than before!
Take the quiz -
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
Take the quiz -
SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share whoa
Resources for whoa