wow

1 of 4

interjection

used to express strong feeling (such as pleasure or surprise)

wow

2 of 4

noun (1)

: a striking success : hit

wow

3 of 4

verb

wowed; wowing; wows

transitive verb

: to excite to enthusiastic admiration or approval
a performance that wowed the critics

wow

4 of 4

noun (2)

: a distortion in reproduced sound consisting of a slow rise and fall of pitch caused by speed variation in the reproducing system

Examples of wow in a Sentence

Verb Her performance wowed the critics.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Interjection
From personalized treasures to innovative gadgets and cozy home finds, these standout picks are guaranteed to wow even the hardest-to-shop-for. Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2024 Along with the drivers and cars being literal billboards for a range of brands, F1 is often a loss leader for car manufacturers that want to wow elite customers. Diane Brady, Fortune, 25 Nov. 2024
Noun
Useful Appliances to Keep the Office Innovative With new technology coming out so frequently, consider the newest gadget that might be a wow factor. John Hall, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 This arched full-length mirror will instantly add the wow factor to any room. Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
Niecy Nash wowed in a sleek white gown at the SOVAS Voice Arts Awards in Los Angeles, while Katy Perry glittered at the Jingle Bell Ball 2024 in London. Catherine Santino, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024 The senior found wide receiver Kenyon Sadiq, who ‘wowed’ fans at Lucas Oil Stadium by hurdling over a defender en route to a 28-yard touchdown. Kevin Dotson, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wow 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

imitative

First Known Use

Interjection

1513, in the meaning defined above

Noun (1)

1920, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1924, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wow was in 1513

Dictionary Entries Near wow

Cite this Entry

“Wow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wow. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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