zounds
Americaninterjection
interjection
Etymology
Origin of zounds
First recorded in 1590–1600; variant of 'swounds
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.
But any potential eeriness was quickly overwhelmed by the mob of cheerful Appletonians, sipping wine, munching on cheese and -- zounds -- even joking.
From Time Magazine Archive
Why, zounds, you don't say, Peter!" exclaimed Nicholas, laughing; "he'll never be able to manage him.
From The Lancashire Witches A Romance of Pendle Forest by Ainsworth, William Harrison
Let us now take a look at the chase," said the captain; "zounds, she draws up with us.
From Frank Mildmay Or, The Naval Officer by Marryat, Frederick
“Why zounds, Ballard, you have turned advocate-general for all the rebels in the country,” said Berkeley, petulantly.
From Hansford: A Tale of Bacon's Rebellion by Tucker, St. George
Your dirty shirt and ragged elbows are nothing to me—but zounds!
From The Fool Errant Being the Memoirs of Francis-Anthony Strelley, Esq., Citizen of Lucca by Hewlett, Maurice Henry
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
