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Synonyms

oops

American  
[oops, oops] / ʊps, ups /

interjection

  1. (used to express mild dismay, chagrin, surprise, etc., as at one's own mistake, a clumsy act, or social blunder.)


oops British  
/ ʊps, uːps /

interjection

  1. an exclamation of surprise or of apology as when someone drops something or makes a mistake

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of oops

First recorded in 1925–30; origin uncertain

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:

Mara contributed 14 points, with the 7-foot-3 center slamming down two alley oops.

From Los Angeles Times Nov. 16, 2024

Plunging 12 stories in a building atrium, though, is just another bruising day on the job for Colt until, oops, he nearly goes splat.

From New York Times May 2, 2024

He’s the guy whose elbow just happens to be in the way of the pitch — oops — earning a free ticket to first base.

From Seattle Times Jun. 15, 2023

It isn’t happenstance, an uncomfortable accident, that Rogan and his words ended up on Spotify’s platform, and now, oops, he just has to be dealt with.

From The Verge Mar. 1, 2022

I look that way and oops, there’s Gene, doing his best impression of a fixated hyena or grizzly or something.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

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