interjection

ope

ohp

Ope (interjection) means an exclamation of mild surprise or embarrassment, similar to "oops.". Example: “Ope, sorry, I didn't see you there.”

interjection

An exclamation of mild surprise or embarrassment, similar to "oops."

"Ope, sorry, I didn't see you there."

"Ope, I think I dropped my keys."

noun

A narrow lane or alley running between buildings (mainly a dialect word in parts of England).

"The cottages backed onto a dark little ope leading to the river."

How to use ope

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA casual, folksy way of saying "oops" or "whoops" when you bump into something or someone.

When to use it

Very informal and regional (especially US Midwest); avoid in formal writing.

Word forms

more ope comparative, oped past tense, opes plural, opes singular, most ope superlative

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_____, sorry, I didn't see you there.

Etymology

Thought to come from saying "oh" with the mouth snapping shut, adding a "p" sound — the same pattern as "yep," "nope," and "welp."

Rhymes for ope

pope mope rope dope hope lope nope cope trope slope grope scope

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Frequently asked questions

What does “ope” mean?

The word “ope” means an exclamation of mild surprise or embarrassment, similar to "oops.". In plain terms, a casual, folksy way of saying "oops" or "whoops" when you bump into something or someone.

How do you pronounce “ope”?

“Ope” is pronounced ohp (/oʊp/ in IPA).

How do you use “ope” in a sentence?

Here is “ope” used in a sentence: “Ope, sorry, I didn't see you there.”

What part of speech is “ope”?

Depending on how it is used, “ope” can be an interjection and a noun.

How many meanings does “ope” have?

“Ope” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an exclamation of mild surprise or embarrassment, similar to "oops.".