holy moly
Americaninterjection
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.
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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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.