ouch

1 of 2

interjection

ˈau̇ch 

—used especially to express sudden pain

ouch

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: a setting for a precious stone

thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold

—Exodus 28:11 (King James Version)

b

: jewel, ornament

especially : a buckle or brooch set with precious stones

your brooches, pearls, and ouches

—William Shakespeare

2

obsolete : clasp, brooch

Word History

Etymology

Interjection

origin unknown

Noun

Middle English, alteration (from misdivision of a nouche) of nouche, from Anglo-French nusche, nouche, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German nusca clasp

First Known Use

Interjection

1838, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

ouch

interjection

ˈau̇ch

—used to express sudden pain