Dictionary.com

wuss

[ woos ]
/ wÊŠs /
Save This Word!

noun Slang.
a weakling; wimp.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Also wuss·y, wuss·ie .

Origin of wuss

First recorded in 1980–85; perhaps blend of wimp and puss1

OTHER WORDS FROM wuss

wuss·y, adjective, wuss·i·er, wuss·i·est.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use wuss in a sentence

  • "Wuss dan a strain," said Gravity, looking ruefully down at the limb and rubbing it with one hand.

    Wyoming|Edward Sylvester Ellis
  • "Wuss," he said as she entered, sitting up and treating her to a broad wink.

    Indian and Scout|F. S. Brereton
  • "Wuss nor rheumatiz," said the boy, as he threw away the cigar stub and drew some cider in a broken tea cup.

  • What he wanted to say, in the same arch manner was "Puss Wuss!"

    Tutors' Lane|Wilmarth Lewis

British Dictionary definitions for wuss

wuss

woose wussy (ˈwʊsɪ)

/ (wÊŠs) /

noun plural wusses or wussies
slang, mainly US a feeble or effeminate person

Word Origin for wuss

C20: perhaps from pussy 1 (cat)
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
FEEDBACK