whoa

imperative verb

ˈwō  ˈhō  ˈhwō 

1

—a command (as to a draft animal) to stand still

2

: cease or slow a course of action or a line of thought : pause to consider or reconsider

—often used to express a strong reaction (such as alarm or astonishment)

Word History

Etymology

Middle English whoo, who

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

whoa

imperative verb

ˈwō  ˈhō 

ˈhwō

1

—used as a command to an animal to stop pulling or moving

2

: step or slow a course of action or a line of thought : pause to consider or reconsider

—often used to express a strong reaction (as alarm or astonishment)