aw

[ aw ]

/ ɔ /

Save This Word!

interjection

(used to express protest, disbelief, disgust, or commiseration.)

(used to express sentimental or sugary approval.)

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of aw

First recorded in 1850–55

Words nearby aw

a vuestra salud, avulse, avulsion, avuncular, avunculate, aw, awa, AWACS, await, Awaji, awake

Other definitions for aw (2 of 3)

Articles of War.

Other definitions for aw (3 of 3)

a.w.

or aw

abbreviation

actual weight.

(in shipping) all water.

atomic weight.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use aw in a sentence

Chris Stein of Blondie catches Ramone with an “aw, shucks” expression just after he drops a plate of food.
‘All Good Cretins Go to Heaven’: Dee Dee Ramone’s Twisted Punk Paintings|Melissa Leon|December 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Aw has woven an impressive and contemporary human tapestry of a country that Western audiences would do well to better understand.
This Week’s Hot Reads: July 1, 2013|Nicholas Mancusi|July 1, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Five Star Billionaire By Tash Aw A collection of characters all trying to ride the tide of wealth in new China.
This Week’s Hot Reads: July 1, 2013|Nicholas Mancusi|July 1, 2013|DAILY BEAST
We make the sound AW when we see kittens sneeze, or when lumberjacks insensitively AX stately trees.
National Scrabble Day: A Poem So You’ll Know All 101 Two-Letter Words|David Bukszpan|April 13, 2013|DAILY BEAST

But he operates in a mode as old as American letters—aw-shucks credulity mixed with an observant intelligence.
This Week’s Hot Reads: Aug. 26, 2012|Nicholas Mancusi|August 26, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The spelling is conformed to that of the preceding poems; the alterations though numerous are slight; as y for i, au for aw, &c.
Chaucer's Works, Volume 1 (of 7) -- Romaunt of the Rose; Minor Poems|Geoffrey Chaucer
"Aw, shut up," said Big Sid with a disgusted glance over his thick shoulder.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various
The dance began; the performers furnished their own music; each rolled out a deep aw aw aw under his visor.
Overland|John William De Forest
This alone gives great charm and character to a poem; but we were also to change all words ending in ow into aw.
Penelope's Experiences in Scotland|Kate Douglas Wiggin
Mupus-aw ang túbig kun papundúhun, Water will become clear if you let the mud settle.
A Dictionary of Cebuano Visayan|John U. Wolff

British Dictionary definitions for aw (1 of 3)

aw¹

/ (ɔː) /

determiner

Scot a variant spelling of a'

British Dictionary definitions for aw (2 of 3)

aw²

/ (ɔː) /

interjection

informal, mainly US an expression of disapproval, commiseration, or appeal

British Dictionary definitions for aw (3 of 3)

aw³

the internet domain name for

Aruba

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