oops

American  

[oops, oops] / ʊps, ups /

interjection

1. (used to express mild dismay, chagrin, surprise, etc., as at one's own mistake, a clumsy act, or social blunder.)

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oops British  

/ ʊps, uːps /

interjection

1. an exclamation of surprise or of apology as when someone drops something or makes a mistake

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Etymology

Origin of oops

First recorded in 1925–30; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Elsewhere, Paris Hilton recreated the famous look from Britney Spears's music video for Oops!...

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2025

"Oops, when I waived the conflict there was something the lawyer failed to tell me."

From Salon • Aug. 11, 2023

Oops, it was just a misunderstanding: ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ alum Kim Zolciak-Biermann won’t see her home sold at auction over a loan default.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2023

And to rub it in, they’re replacing “Dilbert” with “Peanuts: Oops All Franklin.”

From New York Times • Mar. 5, 2023

All I can think to say is, "Oops," because we have the right address after all.

From "Freak The Mighty" by Rodman Philbrick

Related Words

• cry
• exclamation
• expletive
• insertion
• interpolation
• interposition
• shout