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holy moly

American  
[moh-lee] / ˈmoʊ li /

interjection

Slang.
  1. (used as an exclamation to express surprise or astonishment.)


Etymology

Origin of holy moly

moly coined as rhyming twin to holy, on the model of holy cow, holy smoke, etc.

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.

See Examples For:

I know the producers have said that this is not for shock value, and I believe them, but holy moly, someone better make sure Victoria is appropriately medicated by then.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 23, 2025

I invite you to make this mousse and find your own holy moly moment tonight.

From Salon Jun. 2, 2022

It’s secure when snapped shut, but holy moly, it completely falls apart whenever you take it off.

From The Verge Mar. 2, 2022

And holy moly, were you all mad when its governor, Jay Inslee, didn’t make this list last time.

From Slate Apr. 24, 2020

I climb through, and holy moly this place is holy.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

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