whew

noun

often read as ˈhwü, 
ˈwü, 
ˈhyü How to pronounce whew (audio)
the interjection is a whistle concluded with a voiceless ü
: a whistling sound or a sound like a half-formed whistle uttered as an exclamation
gave a long whew when he realized the size of the job
—used interjectionally chiefly to express amazement, discomfort, or relief

Examples of whew in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But at least no one has to be vulnerable or have any hard conversations about their feelings—whew! — Emma Stefansky, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026 But, whew, that’s a young group until Emmanuel Sanders (Achilles) returns. — Ryan O'Halloran, The Denver Post, 6 June 2019 Earlier this year, Shay casually shared a video on Instagram of herself working her way through plank variations like a total boss at the gym and whew! — Korin Miller, Women's Health, 15 Mar. 2023 The cult fitness-slash-bike-slash-tech-slash-media company (whew) began trading at $27 per share—but dropped over 14% from its initial price offering at $29 per share (which would earn them over an $8 billion valuation)—closing down over 11%. — Anne Sraders, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

imitative

First Known Use

1513, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whew was in 1513

Rhymes for whew

See All Rhymes for whew

Browse Nearby Words

whetter
whew
whew duck
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whew. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

whew

noun
often read as
ˈhwü How to pronounce whew (audio) ˈwü How to pronounce whew (audio)
ˈhyü;
the interjection is a whistle ending with a voiceless ü
: a sound somewhat like a whistle used chiefly to express amazement, discomfort, or relief
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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