whoops

American

[hwoops, hwoops, woops, woops] / ʰwʊps, ʰwups, wʊps, wups /

Sometimes woops

interjection

(used to express surprise, mild embarrassment, etc., or as a casual apology.)

whoops British

/ wʊps /

interjection

an exclamation of surprise, as when a person falls over, or of apology

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of whoops

whoop + -s as in oops

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After each one emerged from the water, there were whoops and songs of joy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

"This show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this," Kimmel said to whoops from his studio audience.

From BBC • Sep. 24, 2025

And he donned a shiny red helmet to the whoops and cheers of a pack of football players and fans.

From New York Times • May 31, 2024

The darkened sanctuary of the Rez Church filled with claps, whoops and cries of “yes!”

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2024

And just when Miss Leefolt about to bend down to pay her some attention, whoops!

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023