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

There’s a cadence to sales, a pattern to coupons, a small ecosystem of rewards programs and “oops” bins where imperfect or surplus food waits quietly for someone to notice.

From Salon

At my Mariano’s, there’s a section labeled “Oops! We baked too much,” which houses overstock bread and pastries.

From Salon

Kylee makes an “oops” face and puts up a hand.

From Literature

I look that way and oops, there’s Gene, doing his best impression of a fixated hyena or grizzly or something.

From Literature

Several people in the class laugh and somebody says “Oops” in a cartoony voice.

From Literature

Related Words

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