the Open University
Oxford University
First recorded in 1885–90; from Hawaiian ʿōʿū
How does ou compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
In 2016 she fashioned a Portuguese-Spanish remix of Balvin’s 2015 hit “Ginza,” then joined Maluma on “Sim ou Não,” a balmy pop mélange that helped initiate her in the coveted Hispanic market.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2022
“Tout — ou rien,” replies the king: “all — or nothing.”
From New York Times ● Feb. 25, 2022
The film was produced by Bien ou Bien Productions and co-produced with France 3 Cinéma.
From Salon ● Sep. 13, 2020
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
OU has not publicly commented beyond acknowledging the grade appeal process.
From Salon ● Nov. 30, 2025
Years ago, Harroz was OU general counsel and often stood in for the president at meetings of the Big 12 Conference.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 10, 2025
Creative students came to OU from around the world.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2025
Development of the structured clinical interview was led by Mollie Rischard, Ph.D., a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Psychiatry at the OU School of Community Medicine.
From Science Daily ● May 22, 2024
MAIS, OU There’s no excuse for mangling words that come from foreign languages.
From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner
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.
