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

Oops, sorry, scratch that — Iqbal Theba and Brian George walk into a restaurant.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2025

"I'm a ghostwriter and I honestly enjoy it that way!!!" wrote the singer, known for hits including Baby One More Time, Oops!...

From BBC • Jan. 4, 2024

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

From Salon • Aug. 11, 2023

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

From New York Times • Mar. 5, 2023

"Oops, I didn't mean to get so excited."

From "Pony Problems: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #3" by Carolyn Keene

Related Words

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