verb
ooze
ooz
Ooze (verb) means to leak or flow out slowly, especially a thick or sticky substance. Example: “Sap slowly oozed from the cut in the tree bark.”
verb
1
To leak or flow out slowly, especially a thick or sticky substance.
"Sap slowly oozed from the cut in the tree bark."
"Blood oozed from the small cut on his hand."
2
To display a quality very strongly and noticeably.
"The actor oozed confidence as he walked onto the stage."
noun
1
Soft, wet mud or slime, especially at the bottom of a river, lake, or seabed.
"Their boots sank into the ooze along the riverbank."
How to use ooze
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo slowly leak or seep out, like thick liquid — or, figuratively, to visibly radiate a quality like charm or confidence.
Common pairings
ooze confidence
ooze charm
ooze out of
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Word forms
- Plural
- oozes
- Third person singular
- oozes
- Past tense
- oozed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Sap slowly _____ from the cut in the tree bark.
Etymology
From Old English wōs ("sap, juice"), related to Old High German wasal ("rain") — a Germanic root tied to slow seepage and moisture.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for ooze
See all rhymes for ooze →Frequently asked questions
What does “ooze” mean?
The word “ooze” means to leak or flow out slowly, especially a thick or sticky substance. In plain terms, to slowly leak or seep out, like thick liquid — or, figuratively, to visibly radiate a quality like charm or confidence.
How do you pronounce “ooze”?
“Ooze” is pronounced ooz (/uːz/ in IPA).
How do you use “ooze” in a sentence?
Here is “ooze” used in a sentence: “Sap slowly oozed from the cut in the tree bark.”
What part of speech is “ooze”?
Depending on how it is used, “ooze” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “ooze” come from?
The word “ooze” comes from Old English. From Old English wōs ("sap, juice"), related to Old High German wasal ("rain") — a Germanic root tied to slow seepage and moisture.
How many meanings does “ooze” have?
“Ooze” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to leak or flow out slowly, especially a thick or sticky substance.
