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Webster 1913 Edition


Whew

Whew

(hwū)
,
Noun.
& int
erj.
A sound like a half-formed whistle, expressing astonishment, scorn, or dislike.
Whew duck
,
the European widgeon.
[Prov. Eng.]

Whew

,
Verb.
I.
To whistle with a shrill pipe, like a plover.
[Prov. Eng. & Scot.]

Definition 2024


whew

whew

English

Interjection

whew

  1. An expressive sound made indicating the release of one's inner tension; the release of breath; an expression of relief.
    (from strenuous labour) Whew! That box weighs a ton!
    (from intense concern) Whew! Thank goodness youʼre safe! I thought something terrible had happened to you!
    (from fear of being seen) Whew! That cop didnʼt see me! That was a close call!
  2. An expression of amazement or surprise.
    • 1981, P. L. Travers, Mary Poppins, revised edition, chapter 1,
      "...Now I must be off. Whew, it's as cold as the North Pole. Which way is the wind blowing?"

Synonyms

  • (expressing relief of tension): phew
  • (expressing surprise): wow

Related terms

Translations

Verb

whew (third-person singular simple present whews, present participle whewing, simple past and past participle whewed)

  1. (Britain, Scotland, dialect) To whistle with a shrill pipe, like a plover.