whoof

[ woof, hwoof ]

/ wʊf, ʰwʊf /

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noun

a deep gruff sound.

verb (used without object)

to make such a sound.

interjection

(used to express exultation or surprise).

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

Origin of whoof

First recorded in 1760–70; imitative

A little whoof, like the sound that would be made by a baby and it asleep, came from Cona'n.
Irish Fairy Tales|James Stephens
At the bottom they hesitated; then the mother with rush and champing Whoof!
Watched by Wild Animals|Enos A. Mills
MacDonald gave a grunt of disgust that was like the whoof of a bear.
The Hunted Woman|James Oliver Curwood
I can fancy myself hopping into the chauffeur's seat, and whoof!
Banked Fires|E. W. (Ethel Winifred) Savi

Thor rose from beside the rock with a prodigious whoof that roused Muskwa.
The Grizzly King|James Oliver Curwood