Search Dictionary
Definition of whoops

whoops

/wʊps/
whoops
JUMP TO:

whoops Lexical Profile

whoops Game Scores & Validity

• interjection

1

An informal exclamation used to express mild surprise, apology, or dismay upon making a minor mistake, losing one's balance, or dropping something.

Example

"Whoops, I accidentally poured salt into my coffee instead of sugar!"

Synonyms
View all synonyms for whoops

Word Nuance & Usage

As an informal exclamation of minor error, "whoops" is interchangeable with "oops," though the homograph "whoops" also serves as the regular plural noun and third-person singular verb of "whoop" (a loud cry of excitement).

• Nearby Words

whomsoever
whoop
whoopee
whoops
whoopsie
whoosh
whop

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the early 20th century as an expressive variant of "ups" or "oops," likely influenced by the verb "whoop" or derived from "up" (as in "up-a-daisy" when lifting a child after a stumble).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Whoops. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/whoops
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.