wow

1 of 4

interjection

ˈwau̇ 

—used to express strong feeling (such as pleasure or surprise)

wow

2 of 4

noun (1)

: a striking success : hit

wow

3 of 4

verb

wowed; wowing; wows

transitive verb

: to excite to enthusiastic admiration or approval

a performance that wowed the critics

wow

4 of 4

noun (2)

: a distortion in reproduced sound consisting of a slow rise and fall of pitch caused by speed variation in the reproducing system

Examples of wow in a Sentence

Verb

Her performance wowed the critics.

Recent Examples on the Web

Interjection

The interiors, meanwhile, never shout but still seem to wow with luxe Mediterranean touches and tasteful art. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

Ultimately, however, even that wow factor seemed to be of a superficial variety. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Noun

Marotta serves as chef de cuisine for Epcot Festivals, and his team brings the wow from one end of the culinary spectrum to the other. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026

Even without the French tips, her fingers often have a wow effect. — Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Sep. 2026

Verb

Finally, Elsinore’s Andrew Scott wowed Telluride with his turn as Chariots of Fire actor Ian Charleson, who played Hamlet on the London stage while battling AIDS. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Just a mile away from the lodge are two Andean lagoons with wowing views of Mount Fitz Roy, the castle-like 11,171-foot peak on the logo of the Patagonia clothing brand. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

imitative

First Known Use

Interjection

1513, in the meaning defined above

Noun (1)

1920, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1924, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1932, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for wow

• bao
• bough
• brow
• chow
• ciao
• clow
• cow
• dao
• dow
• frau
• hao
• hau