oof
Oof (intj) means an exclamation imitating the sound of air being forced out, as if someone has been struck or startled. Example: “Oof, that fall looked painful!”
How to Use Oof
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sound people make to react to a hit, embarrassing moment, or bad news — like a verbal wince.
Very informal; common in speech and online, rare in formal writing.
Word Forms
oofs plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____, that fall looked painful!
Etymology
Imitative of the sound of a sudden impact, similar to Dutch oef and German uff.
Rhymes for oof
See all rhymes for oof →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “oof” mean?
The word “oof” means an exclamation imitating the sound of air being forced out, as if someone has been struck or startled. In plain terms, a sound people make to react to a hit, embarrassing moment, or bad news — like a verbal wince.
How do you pronounce “oof”?
“Oof” is pronounced oof (/uf/ in IPA).
How do you use “oof” in a sentence?
Here is “oof” used in a sentence: “Oof, that fall looked painful!”
What part of speech is “oof”?
Depending on how it is used, “oof” can be an intj and a noun.
Where does the word “oof” come from?
The word “oof” comes from German. Imitative of the sound of a sudden impact, similar to Dutch oef and German uff.
How many meanings does “oof” have?
“Oof” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an exclamation imitating the sound of air being forced out, as if someone has been struck or startled.
Featured In
Vocabulary lists that include oof: