whew

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Pronunciation

• IPA: /hwjuː/, /fjuː/, /ʍĭ̥ŭ̥/ [very short and unvoiced]

Interjection

1. An expressive sound made indicating the release of one's inner tension; the release of breath; an expression of relief.

   (from strenuous labour) Whew! That box weighs a ton!

   (from intense concern) Whew! Thank goodness youʼre safe! I thought something terrible had happened to you!

   (from fear of being seen) Whew! That cop didnʼt see me! That was a close call!

2. An expression of amazement or surprise.
   • 1981, P. L. Travers, Mary Poppins, revised edition, chapter 1,

     "...Now I must be off. Whew, it's as cold as the North Pole. Which way is the wind blowing?"

Synonyms

• (expressing relief of tension) phew
• (expressing surprise) wow

Related terms

• whoa
• wow

Translations

• French: ouf
• German: puh, uff
• Russian: фуф

Translations

• German: puh

Verb

whew (whews, present participle whewing; past and past participle whewed)

1. (UK, Scotland, dialect) To whistle with a shrill pipe, like a plover.

Verb

whew (whews, present participle whewing; past and past participle whewed)

1. (intransitive, UK, dialect) To bustle about.

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