oh
1 Americaninterjection
-
(used as an expression of surprise, pain, disapproval, etc.).
Oh, just look at how pretty it is now that you've finished painting!
Oh, no! I misplaced my keys again.
-
(used in direct address to attract the attention of the person spoken to).
Oh, John, will you take these books?
noun
plural
oh's, ohsverb (used without object)
noun
abbreviation
-
Ohio (approved especially for use with zip code).
-
(used in digital communications) other half.
-
(used in digital communications) overheard.
interjection
abbreviation
Etymology
Origin of oh
First recorded in 1530–40; later spelling of O 2 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The statement “I have strengthened you in the name of God, oh Homeland,” is on billboards hanging from many homes.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
“People are going, ‘Oh, Thomas, oh, Thomas,’” she said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
"There was another team that went, oh, we just got 700 for Instagram Reels. I was like, OK yeah," he said.
From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026
While shooting it was fun to make these discoveries where you’re like, oh, this exists in me.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026
“Oh, oh, oh, Uncle Jack is gonna be so tickled!”
From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.