ou

American  

[oh-oo] / ˈoʊˈu /

Or 'o'u

noun

1. a rare Hawaiian honeycreeper, Psittirostra psittacea, having an olive-green body, a parrotlike bill, and in the male a bright yellow head.

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OU ¹ British  

abbreviation

1. the Open University

2. Oxford University

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ou ² British  

/ əʊ /

noun

1. slang a man, bloke, or chap

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Etymology

Origin of ou

First recorded in 1885–90; from Hawaiian ʿōʿū

Compare meaning

How does ou compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• ou vs. uh

Example Sentences

In the meantime, ou might even find it more empowering to treat yourself to something nice instead of waiting for the perfect gift from your partner.

From Slate • Nov. 3, 2023

"Y ou know it's bad when you've lost Fox," Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., added.

From Salon • May 11, 2023

Ses oeuvres sont devenues un pilier de l’esthétique parisienne au même titre que les immeubles haussmanniens ou des ponts qui enjambent la Seine.

From New York Times • Feb. 12, 2023

Já na época de seca ou “verão”, de junho a novembro, o fluxo de água caía para 2.000 metros cúbicos por segundo.

From Science Magazine • Jan. 5, 2023

When Mother came in she said, “Well, young lady, I believe this is the first time I’ve seen you go to bed without being told. \ou must be sick.”

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou