ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wow

interj. · v. · n.
US //ˈwaʊ// UK //wˈaʊ// wow
  1. 1 showing surprise (interj.)
    A2 Elementary Informal

    you say this when you are very surprised, impressed, or excited.

    an exclamation used to express wonder, amazement, or great pleasure.

    Example

    Wow, I can't believe you finished that whole project in one day.

    Example

    Wow, the view from the summit is even more breathtaking than the photographs suggested.

  2. 2 to impress (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to make someone feel very impressed or amazed.

    to excite or greatly impress an audience or individual. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Example

    The young gymnast really wowed the judges with her difficult routine.

    Example

    The marketing team hoped to wow the investors with a high-tech presentation and a sleek new prototype.

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 something impressive (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    a person or thing that is very successful or impressive.

    a person or thing that is an extraordinary success or source of amazement.

    Example

    The new musical was a total wow with the local audience.

    Example

    The gala was a real wow, featuring performances that left the attendees talking for weeks afterward.

  2. 4 audio pitch change (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Music

    a slow change in the sound of music, usually caused by a problem with a record player or tape machine.

    a slow form of pitch variation or flutter in sound reproduction, typically caused by speed fluctuations in mechanical components.

    Example

    The old record player had a lot of wow, making the singer's voice sound strange.

    Example

    The technician noted significant wow and flutter during the playback, indicating that the drive belt needed immediate replacement.

© 2026 English Reference