ouch

¹

[ ouch ]

interjection

1. (used as an exclamation expressing sudden pain or dismay.)

ouch

²

[ ouch ]

noun

1. a clasp, buckle, or brooch, especially one worn for ornament.
2. the setting of a precious stone.

verb (used with object)

1. to adorn with or as if with ouches.

ouch

¹

/ aʊtʃ /

interjection

1. an exclamation of sharp sudden pain

ouch

²

/ aʊtʃ /

noun

1. a brooch or clasp set with gems
2. the setting of a gem

Word History and Origins

Origin of ouch¹

1830–40, Americanism; < German autsch

Origin of ouch²

1325–75; Middle English ouche (noun), for nouche (the phrase a nouche taken as an ouche; apron ) < Old French nosche ≪ Germanic

Word History and Origins

Origin of ouch¹

C15 an ouch, mistaken division of C14 a nouche, from Old French nouche, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German nusca buckle

Example Sentences

Nearly 20 years ago, a poll by Ouch! - the former name of the BBC’s disability section - crowned Timmy as the most popular disabled TV character.

From BBC

She recalled McLaughlin saying, “Ouch, ouch, ouch. It hurts,” but said McLaughlin was unable to explain the cause of her pain before her death.

From Seattle Times

“Ouch,” someone in the crowd said.

From Seattle Times

“He’s a retired Optometrist from Utah. In 2016, they went skiing. On the slopes of Deer Valley, their worlds collided, and so did they — literally. Ouch. Seven years later in 2023, they went to court. Double ouch. This is their story. Kind of. Not really. But also, it’s at Christmas.”

From Salon

At the time, they were ouch funny.

From Los Angeles Times