oh

¹ American  

[oh] / oʊ /

interjection

1. (used as an expression of surprise, pain, disapproval, etc.).

   Oh, just look at how pretty it is now that you've finished painting!

   Oh, no! I misplaced my keys again.

2. (used in direct address to attract the attention of the person spoken to).

   Oh, John, will you take these books?

---

noun

plural

oh's, ohs

1. the exclamation “oh.”.

   She gave a little oh of surprise when she discovered her shoes had disappeared.

verb (used without object)

1. to utter or exclaim “oh.”.

   The hammer dented the wood trim and he ohed in dismay.

Oh ² American  

[oh] / oʊ /

noun

1. Sadaharu born 1940, Chinese baseball player and manager in Japan.

---

OH ³ American  

abbreviation

1. Ohio (approved especially for use with zip code).

2. (used in digital communications) other half.

3. (used in digital communications) overheard.

---

oh ¹ British  

/ əʊ /

interjection

1. an exclamation expressive of surprise, pain, pleasure, etc

---

1. an expression used to preface a remark, gain time, etc

   oh, I suppose so

OH ² British  

abbreviation

1. Ohio

---

Etymology

Origin of oh

First recorded in 1530–40; later spelling of O ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

The statement “I have strengthened you in the name of God, oh Homeland,” is on billboards hanging from many homes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“But if he’s taking out the GM of a plant or controller and they’ve gone off and ordered Champagne for everybody, then you go, oh look, that’s a conversation.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

But why, oh why, do they hold on to Blake Treinen and Tanner Scott?

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

So why oh why did these words come out of his mouth during an interview for a 4,500-word article published Monday in Chicago Magazine?

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Hugo is the kind of boy you would probably not like me to spend my time with, but – oh, Mama – he’s so handsome!

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler