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Synonyms

oops

American  
[oops, oops] / ʊps, ups /

interjection

  1. (used to express mild dismay, chagrin, surprise, etc., as at one's own mistake, a clumsy act, or social blunder.)

oops British  
/ ʊps, uːps /

interjection

  1. an exclamation of surprise or of apology as when someone drops something or makes a mistake

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of oops

First recorded in 1925–30; origin uncertain

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.

“Oops—that’s from Rachel’s sleepover,” Katherine apologized.

From Literature

The minute it was out of sight, she called out, “Oops, sorry. I’m Daniella.”

From Literature

She stood like that for a long time, then slipped past Andrea into the cave while Mr. Hodge was explaining to Andrea, “I don’t know; I’m not a scientist. I’ve heard the explanation, and it might be something about—what did you call it? Oxi—oops, hold on there, young lady, did you touch the rock?”

From Literature

Put on those “Dow 50000” hats—oops, take them off.

From The Wall Street Journal

Britney Spears scored the early 2000s with hits from “Oops!... I Did It Again” to “Toxic.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.