# ouch

/ˈaʊtʃ/ (US) · /ˈaʊtʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ouch
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 3. high price

interjection · CEFR B2 · Informal · Slang

you say this when you find out something is very expensive.

For teachers: an exclamation expressing shock or dismay at a high price or financial cost.

- Fifty dollars for a burger? Ouch, I think I'll eat somewhere else.
- Ouch, the repair bill for the transmission is going to be significantly higher than the car's actual market value.

### 4. a small injury

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a small injury or something that causes a little bit of pain.

For teachers: a minor physical injury or a source of mild discomfort.

- The toddler ran to his mother to show her the ouch on his knee.
- It was just a little ouch, but the child insisted on a colourful bandage to feel better.

Usage: Often used in 'child-directed speech' or when speaking playfully about minor injuries.

Teaching tip: This noun use is very informal and typically restricted to domestic or childcare contexts.

### 5. to cry out in pain

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to say the word 'ouch' because you are in pain.

For teachers: to utter the exclamation 'ouch' in response to pain or discomfort.

- He started ouching as soon as the nurse touched the bruised area.
- The patient began ouching the moment the physical therapist applied pressure to the inflamed joint.

Usage: Intransitive; often used in the progressive form to describe repeated exclamations.

## Examples

- Ouch! I hit my toe on the table.
- She cried out, 'Ouch!' when the hot coffee spilled on her hand.
- The sharp sting of the antiseptic drew a sharp 'Ouch!' from the patient, though he remained otherwise still.

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