zounds

American

[zoundz] / zaʊndz /

interjection

Archaic.

(used as a mild oath.)

zounds British

/ zwaʊndz, zaʊndz, zaʊndz /

interjection

archaic a mild oath indicating surprise, indignation, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of zounds

First recorded in 1590–1600; variant of 'swounds

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.

But any potential eeriness was quickly overwhelmed by the mob of cheerful Appletonians, sipping wine, munching on cheese and -- zounds -- even joking.

From Time Magazine Archive

Let us now take a look at the chase," said the captain; "zounds, she draws up with us.

From Frank Mildmay Or, The Naval Officer by Marryat, Frederick

"But, zounds, sir, you say you are not surprised he has not come to welcome his own father?"

From The International Monthly, Volume 4, No. 4, November 1, 1851 by Various

“The people of Gloucester will yet rally around your standard, when they see open treason is contemplated; and should they still refuse, zounds, we may yet offer resistance with my servants and slaves.”

From Hansford: A Tale of Bacon's Rebellion by Tucker, St. George

Why, zounds, you don't say, Peter!" exclaimed Nicholas, laughing; "he'll never be able to manage him.

From The Lancashire Witches A Romance of Pendle Forest by Ainsworth, William Harrison

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023