phew

American  

[fyoo, pfyoo, whyoo] / fju, pfju, whju /

interjection

1. (used as an exclamation to express disgust, exhaustion, surprise, impatience, relief, etc.).

   Phew, it's hot!

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phew British  

/ fjuː /

interjection

1. an exclamation of relief, surprise, disbelief, weariness, etc

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Etymology

Origin of phew

First recorded in 1595–1605

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

phew

This postseason features two rising-star rookie quarterbacks, at least two Week 1 rematches and one big phew.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 5, 2025

“I don’t know how many kilometers I was alone - phew, it was a bit risky but I tried to up the pace and I really profited.”

From Washington Post ● Jul. 17, 2018

But the main sentiment is a kind of collective phew: "Everyone will say a prayer - not just for Thanksgiving, but that the campaign is over."

From BBC ● Nov. 9, 2012

But I had a lot more fun watching the performances this week than I ever expected, so that's a great big "phew" from the peanut gallery, and I'll eventually learn to trust the producers.

From Salon ● Jul. 15, 2010

I just smell like soap, but there have been days, especially after gym class, when, phew, the odor easing out has been kinda ripe.

From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper

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Related Words

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

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