Wow
/waʊ/noun
An interjection used to express strong surprise, admiration, or excitement.
Did you know?Unlike many English words, “wow” has no securely identified ancient root; scholars generally treat it as an expressive exclamation, with early written examples appearing in Scots.
Etymological Timeline
Early Scots, 16th Century
Scots
wow
“An exclamation expressing surprise, distress, or admiration”
1513
Scots
wow
“One of the earliest recorded written uses of the interjection”
18th Century
Scots/English
wow
“An exclamation used in speech and writing for astonishment or admiration”
19th Century
American English
wow
“A widely used colloquial interjection expressing strong approval or surprise”
Modern English
English
wow
“A general reaction of amazement, enthusiasm, or impressed approval”