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.
When I got walked onto the floor, I saw a bunch of people in casual wear yelling and screaming, and they were rich or whatever, and I was just like, oh, this is the vibe.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026
He could be heard saying "oh my god" when the cue ball did not run through as expected.
From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026
But as ugly as greed can be, it can be oh so beautiful.
From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026
“It was just like, oh man, I’m going to be in heaven again.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026
But I made a deal with the Holy Being; oh yeah, First Turkey was there who was the boss of the little horned toad—its name is Seed Collector.
From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young
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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.