zounds

American  

[zoundz] / zaʊndz /

interjection

Archaic.

1. (used as a mild oath.)

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zounds British  

/ zwaʊndz, zaʊndz, zaʊndz /

interjection

1. archaic a mild oath indicating surprise, indignation, etc

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Etymology

Origin of zounds

First recorded in 1590–1600; variant of 'swounds

Example Sentences

“Mail? Zounds! I almost forgot.”

From Literature

“A few centuries ago, a student’s ‘zounds’ or ‘gadzooks’ would turn an English teacher’s face purple,” he said.

From Seattle Times

Zounds, a boatload of conservatives are taking to the high seas.

From Washington Times

He was the bass player for the anarcho punk band Zounds, among others, and was much loved.

From The Guardian

“Gut… gut…zounds normal” as he listened with his stethoscope, feeling gently on my belly and then finally tap on some reflexes with his tomahawk hammer. 

From Forbes