whew

[ hwyoo ]

interjection

1. (a whistling exclamation or sound expressing astonishment, dismay, relief, etc.)

noun

1. an utterance of “whew.”

whew

/ hwjuː /

interjection

1. an exclamation or sharply exhaled breath expressing relief, surprise, delight, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of whew¹

First recorded in 1505–15; imitative

Example Sentences

You want the eater to pause mid-bite and say, “Wait — what is that flavor?” rather than, “Whew, that’s sweet.”

From Salon

“Often when I finish a project, I’m like, ‘Whew!

From Los Angeles Times

He lets go and whew, I can breathe again.

From Literature

Whew, I’m a good spinner, but I was getting worried about how long I could keep it up when Golden-Miranda rushed in.

From Literature

“I love her, but whew, it is still hard.”

From Los Angeles Times