Meaning

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

Definitions by Sense

1. An expressive sound made indicating the release of one's inner tension; the release of breath; an expression of relief.
2. An expression of amazement or surprise.
3. (UK, Scotland, dialect) To whistle with a shrill pipe, like a plover.
4. (intransitive, UK, dialect) To bustle about.

Example Sentences

(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!

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

Word Forms

• whews
• whewing
• whewed

Synonyms for whew

Related Words

When Should You Use Whew?

Use whew when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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