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.)

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oops British  

/ ʊps, uːps /

interjection

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

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Etymology

Origin of oops

First recorded in 1925–30; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Ruth Astbury, a therapeutic and hormone coach in Denbighshire, and two pelvic health physiotherapists in Gwynedd, Faye Cunningham and Lizzie Evans, will share their experiences on their new podcast Oops!

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2025

Oops I think I just got myself suspended.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2023

"Oops, when I waived the conflict there was something the lawyer failed to tell me."

From Salon • Aug. 11, 2023

Then Ms. Mansour tapped her head with a finger: Oops.

From New York Times • Jul. 3, 2023

Oops, I forgot I wasn’t supposed to call the band men sir.

From "Bud, Not Buddy" by Christopher Paul Curtis

Related Words

• cry
• exclamation
• expletive
• insertion
• interpolation
• interposition
• shout