my goodness

American

[mahy good-nis] / ˌmaɪ ˈgʊd nɪs /

Sometimes my goodness gracious also oh my goodness

interjection

(used as an interjection to express surprise, excitement, mild alarm, etc.).

My goodness, how the time has flown!
Top that with rich, pungent blue cheese and, oh my goodness, I can't even begin to describe the flavor.

Etymology

Origin of my goodness

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I was simply inquiring whether you were in possession of a vase for the wildflowers of which you spoke. My great-aunt once had a spectacular vase. I shall never forget it. Painted in the lightest of blues, with twisting vinelike handles, one could only admire its daintiness. But heavy? My goodness, you could not imagine an object as heavy as that vase.”

From Literature

“No big deal? All that wind? All that rain? Not to mention the height. And you’ve done this more than once? My goodness, I’ve never been in the company of someone so brave.”

From Literature

“My goodness,” Major Puff fretted.

From Literature

“Oh my goodness, Duane!” exclaimed Magic, rolling her eyes very dramatically.

From Literature

She would not believe in my goodness just because I could tell a story well.

From Literature

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023