noun

oomph

uumf

Oomph (noun) means Energy, force, or appeal that makes something impressive or effective. Example: “The new engine gives the car a lot more oomph on the highway.”

noun

Energy, force, or appeal that makes something impressive or effective.

"The new engine gives the car a lot more oomph on the highway."

"Her speech needed a bit more oomph to win over the crowd."

How to use oomph

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEnergy, punch, or impressive power behind something.

When to use it

Informal.

Common pairings

add some oomph lacks oomph

Word forms

oomphed past tense, oomphs plural, oomphs singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “oomph” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The new engine gives the car a lot more _____ on the highway.

Etymology

Imitative in origin, echoing a low grunting or thudding sound.

Synonyms

View more →

zing pizzazz pizzaz dynamism sex appeal desirability desirableness

Related words

jazz desirability desirableness dynamism pizzazz sex appeal zing vigour

Frequently asked questions

What does “oomph” mean?

The word “oomph” means energy, force, or appeal that makes something impressive or effective. In plain terms, energy, punch, or impressive power behind something.

How do you pronounce “oomph”?

“Oomph” is pronounced uumf (/ʊmf/ in IPA).

How do you use “oomph” in a sentence?

Here is “oomph” used in a sentence: “The new engine gives the car a lot more oomph on the highway.”

What part of speech is “oomph”?

“Oomph” is a noun.

People also searched

jazz desirability desirableness dynamism pizzazz sex appeal zing vigour