whew

IPA/hwjuː/
KK[wˈu]IPA/hwjuː/

whew — exclamation

1. said when a danger, strain, or anxious moment has just ended and you can relax a

1.exclamationA2
Definition

said when a danger, strain, or anxious moment has just ended and you can relax again.

Example

Whew, the loose ladder did not hit anyone in the yard.

Whew, + relief after a close call

After the dentist finished, Adina laughed and said, "Whew, no more drilling."

quoted relief after a stressful task

Common collocations
  • whew, that was close
  • whew, we made it
  • say "whew" in relief
  • whew, it's over
Synonyms
  • phew

    the same reaction word with a different spelling

  • thank goodness

    more verbal and more clearly expresses gratitude

  • what a relief

    usually comes after the cry rather than replacing it

Antonyms
  • oh no

    used when bad news arrives instead of when danger has passed

Grammar Patterns

Whew, + clause after a close call

"Whew!" + when worry or danger ends

Usage Note

Often followed by a short comment about the danger or stress that has just ended. Distinguish from sense 2: this use is about relief, not admiration or delight.

Common Mistakes

Whew, the exam starts tomorrow.
Whew, the exam is over.
use this sense after the pressure ends, not before it begins.
I whew when the plane landed.
I said "whew" when the plane landed.
use 'whew' as a reaction word, not as the main verb.

2. said when something suddenly seems impressive, exciting, or unexpectedly good.

2.exclamationA2
Definition

said when something suddenly seems impressive, exciting, or unexpectedly good.

Example

Whew, that violin solo filled the hall with bright, wild energy.

Whew, + admiration after a performance

Hiro opened the video and whispered, "Whew, that ending is beautiful."

quoted reaction to something impressive

Common collocations
  • whew, look at that
  • whew, that's amazing
  • say "whew" at a performance
  • whew, that is beautiful
Synonyms
  • wow

    more common and more openly positive

  • whoa

    often carries surprise or the need to pause, not just admiration

  • gosh

    milder and slightly more old-fashioned

Antonyms
  • oh no

    signals alarm or disappointment rather than pleased surprise

Grammar Patterns

Whew, + reaction to something impressive

"Whew!" + after seeing or hearing something striking

Usage Note

Usually reacts to something impressive, pleasing, or unexpectedly good. Distinguish from sense 1: speakers are not escaping danger here; they are reacting to what they have just seen or heard.

Common Mistakes

Whew, your grandmother is in hospital.
Oh no, your grandmother is in hospital.
this sense does not fit sad or worrying news.
The report ended with whew results.
The report ended with impressive results.
use 'whew' as a spoken reaction, not as an adjective before a noun.

3. said when the air feels too warm or too close and your body feels uncomfortable

3.exclamationA2
Definition

said when the air feels too warm or too close and your body feels uncomfortable from the heat.

Example

Whew, this attic has no fan and the air will not move.

Whew, + complaint about stuffy heat

By lunch, Aylin pulled off her jacket and said, "Whew, this room is baking."

quoted reaction to a hot room

Common collocations
  • whew, it's hot
  • whew, no air in here
  • say "whew" from the heat
  • whew, this room is baking
Synonyms
  • phew

    the same reaction word with another spelling

  • oof

    can show physical strain or discomfort, often after effort

  • ugh

    shows annoyance or disgust more generally, not only heat

Grammar Patterns

Whew, + comment on heat or stuffy air

say "whew" while feeling hot

Usage Note

Most often heard in a hot room, a crowded vehicle, or another stuffy place. Distinguish from sense 4: this use points to heat in the air rather than tired muscles after effort.

Common Mistakes

Whew, the sea is freezing today.
Brr, the sea is freezing today.
this sense reacts to heat, not to cold weather or cold water.
The office was whew all afternoon.
The office was very hot all afternoon.
use 'whew' as an exclamation, not as an adjective.

4. said when hard work or strong physical effort has left you feeling very tired.

4.exclamationA2
Definition

said when hard work or strong physical effort has left you feeling very tired.

Example

Whew, my arms are shaking after carrying those water boxes upstairs.

Whew, + tired body after effort

After the last dance, Dylan sat down and said, "Whew, I need water."

quoted reaction after exertion

Common collocations
  • whew, I need a rest
  • say "whew" after climbing
  • whew, that was hard work
  • whew, my legs are done
Synonyms
  • phew

    the same interjection with another spelling

  • oof

    often stronger and rougher, especially after impact or heavy effort

Grammar Patterns

Whew, + comment after effort

say "whew" when you need a rest

Usage Note

Common after physical effort or a long busy task. Distinguish from sense 3: the strain comes from tiredness itself, not from the air being hot or stuffy.

Common Mistakes

Whew, the race starts in ten minutes.
I'm nervous
the race starts in ten minutes.' — this sense comes after effort, not before it.
I felt whew after the stairs.
I felt tired after the stairs.' / 'I said "whew" after the stairs.
use 'whew' for the reaction, not as an adjective for your feeling.

whew — noun

Synonym discussion

Sense: exclamation/1

"Whew" is a short burst of breath plus feeling. In its main relief sense, speakers use it right after danger, stress, or hard work ends: "Whew, we made it." "Phew" is the same reaction word with a different spelling, so the choice is usually stylistic rather than a change in meaning. "What a relief" often comes after the cry and explains it in a full sentence. "Thank goodness" adds a clearer sense of gratitude. "Oof" usually points to impact, pain, or heavy effort, while "whoa" marks surprise or a sudden need to stop. Use "whew" when the feeling is release after tension, or when a breathy reaction itself is what you want to show.

phew ↗what a reliefthank goodness ↗oofwhoa ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • say "whew"

Etymology

Modern English

"Whew" is a written form of the breathy sound English speakers make when they push air out after strain, heat, surprise, or relief. It developed as an imitative interjection rather than from an older noun or verb. Because the sound comes from a strong exhale, the same form naturally spread to several nearby feelings, including release after danger, impressed surprise, feeling hot, and feeling worn out.

First known use

1513

1513, in the meaning defined above