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whoa

imperative verb
\ ˈwō How to pronounce whoa (audio) , ˈhō, ˈhwō How to pronounce whoa (audio) \

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)

First Known Use of whoa

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for whoa

Middle English whoo, who

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Time Traveler for whoa

The first known use of whoa was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for whoa

whoa

verb
\ ˈwō How to pronounce whoa (audio) , ˈhō, ˈhwō\

Kids Definition of whoa

—used as a command to an animal carrying a rider or pulling a load to stop

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