whew

American  

[hwyoo] / ʰwyu /

interjection

1. (a whistling exclamation or sound expressing astonishment, dismay, relief, etc.)

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noun

1. an utterance of “whew.”

whew British  

/ hwjuː /

interjection

1. an exclamation or sharply exhaled breath expressing relief, surprise, delight, etc

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Etymology

Origin of whew

First recorded in 1505–15; imitative

Example Sentences

“Whew! That feels better, Miss Lumley—I mean, Penelope. Say, you’ll never believe what happened, it’s quite a tale—well, look how big you’ve grown, you three!” he said, for the children had jumped upon him in joy, with many cries of “Simahwoo! Simahwoo!”

From Literature

“Whew! Dow closes above 10,000,” the El Paso Times of Texas wrote of “Wall Street’s comeback.”

From Barron's

Learning that at a young age was — whew!

From Los Angeles Times

You want the eater to pause mid-bite and say, “Wait — what is that flavor?” rather than, “Whew, that’s sweet.”

From Salon

“Often when I finish a project, I’m like, ‘Whew!

From Los Angeles Times