interjection
Uncommon
phew
fyoo
Phew (interjection) means used to express relief after tension or effort. Example: “Phew! We made the flight with two minutes to spare.”
interjection
1
Used to express relief after tension or effort.
"Phew, that took a long time to cook!"
"Phew! We made the flight with two minutes to spare."
2
Used to express that something smells unpleasant.
"Phew, what is that smell coming from the bin?"
How to use phew
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sound people make to show relief, or sometimes disgust at a bad smell.
When to use it
Purely spoken/informal — used in speech and casual writing, never formal text.
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_____! We made the flight with two minutes to spare.
Etymology
An imitation of the sound of a quick exhale, used across many languages for the same "that's over" feeling of relief.
Rhymes for phew
See all rhymes for phew →Frequently asked questions
What does “phew” mean?
The word “phew” means used to express relief after tension or effort. In plain terms, a sound people make to show relief, or sometimes disgust at a bad smell.
How do you pronounce “phew”?
“Phew” is pronounced fyoo (/fjuː/ in IPA).
How do you use “phew” in a sentence?
Here is “phew” used in a sentence: “Phew! We made the flight with two minutes to spare.”
What part of speech is “phew”?
“Phew” is an interjection.
Is “phew” a common word?
“Phew” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “phew” have?
“Phew” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used to express relief after tension or effort.
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