ENGLISH
REFERENCE

my word

idiom
Meaning

An expression of surprise.


Origin

disputed origin

From upon my word, an oath.

Examples
SIMPLE

My word, that is a very tall building!

CONTEXTUAL

My word, I did not expect to see you here at this time of night.

COMPLEX

My word, the sheer scale of the landscape before us is truly breathtaking to behold.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bad word

    A vulgar word.

  2. 02

    breathe a word

    To divulge even part of a secret (usually used with a negative).

  3. 03

    dicky

    [Cockney slang]word

  4. 04

    dirty word

    The name of a topic that a person prefers not to hear or discuss.

  5. 05

    empty words

    Any type of talk with little meaning; a message that seems to contain meaningful content but is actually vapid.

  6. 06

    from the word go

    From the very beginning; from the outset; immediately upon starting.

  7. 07

    get the word out

    To make some information more widely known.

  8. 08

    hang on every word

    To be completely attentive to what another person is saying.

Last updated April 17, 2026