oh
1 Americaninterjection
-
(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.
-
(used in direct address to attract the attention of the person spoken to).
Oh, John, will you take these books?
noun
plural
oh's, ohsverb (used without object)
noun
abbreviation
-
Ohio (approved especially for use with zip code).
-
(used in digital communications) other half.
-
(used in digital communications) overheard.
interjection
abbreviation
Etymology
Origin of oh
First recorded in 1530–40; later spelling of O 2 ( def. )
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.
"He put his hand on my hand, and I was like, oh they are real."
From BBC • Apr. 14, 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
"I realised, oh, it's this Russian guy that I met last year," she told the BBC World Service.
From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026
Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh...
From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz
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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.