oops

oops · interjection

imported

Definitions

interjection

  1. 1.

    An exclamation used to acknowledge a minor mistake, accident, or error.

  2. 2.

    An exclamation used when something unexpected or slightly embarrassing happens.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    oops-a-daisy — a playful variant, often used with children
  • •
    oops moment — an instance of making a mistake

Related words

See also: mistake, sorry, uh-oh, whoops
Synonyms: oh no, oopsie, whoops

Etymology

Onomatopoeic in origin, possibly derived from an exclamation of surprise. First recorded in the 1930s, though similar expressions existed earlier.