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 cost of this vertical wow factor is quite steep, at US$1,399 (which includes free shipping within the US). — New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026

The best word to describe initial impressions of the 48-year-old former college safety would be, wow. — Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026

Noun

Skubal, who is on an expiring contract, was dealt for three prospects in a deal that lacks a wow factor for Detroit’s return. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 2 Aug. 2026

Its ubiquity has dulled its wow factor, and buyers associate it with builder-standard. — Natasha Bazika, Martha Stewart, 31 July 2026

Verb

Ertz said he was wowed by Mahomes starting in May’s organized team activities, when the Chiefs QB did throwing drills and did some limited cutting while practicing with teammates. — Jesse Newell, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Shakir continues to be wowed by the rapport the two have developed since Buffalo acquired Moore in a trade with Chicago in March. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 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