whew

English

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /hwjuː/, /fjuː/, [ʍĭ̥ŭ̥], [ɸĭ̥ŭ̥] [very short and unvoiced]
  • Audio (GA)(file)
  • Rhymes: -uː
  • Homophone: phew

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, chapter 1, in Mary Poppins, revised edition:
      "...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
Derived terms
Translations
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Verb

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

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

Verb

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

  1. (intransitive, UK, dialect) To bustle about.
Translations
Translations
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