# wow

> English word · Interjection · IPA /waʊ/ · frequency rank #1,178

## Definitions
1. An indication of excitement, surprise, astonishment, or pleasure.
2. An expression of amazement, awe, or admiration.
3. Used sarcastically to express disapproval of something.

## Etymology
Attested since the 16th century; borrowed from Scots wow; ultimately a natural exclamation.

## Easily confused with
- **Wu** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-wu)
- **wt** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-wt)
- **WS** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-ws)
- **WV** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-wv)
- **wy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-wy)
- **WTF** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-wtf)
- **WWE** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-wwe)
- **WWW** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-www)
- **WTO** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-wto)
- **WWF** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-wwf)
- **wut** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-wut)
- **WSJ** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-wsj)
- **WTH** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-wth)
- **wry** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-wry)
- **WTC** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-wtc)
- **wye** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-wye)
- **WPA** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-wpa)
- **WSU** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-wsu)
- **WYO** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wow-vs-wyo)
- **w** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/w-vs-wow)

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/wow