English · Word Candidate

ouch

/ˈaʊt͡ʃ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: ouches · ouching · ouched

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An expression of one's own physical pain.

Interjection

Ouch! You stepped on my toe! That hurt!

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

An expression in sympathy at another's pain.

Interjection

Ouch! Her sunburn looks awful.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Something that causes discomfort or pain.

NounRegister: informal

RhuliGel soothes the itches and ouches of summer.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To exclaim "ouch!" in discomfort or pain.

Verb

Imperturbability your skill, not mine / I ouch out loud and clear / Your forgiveness, like Pope's divine / I'm just an angry queer

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “ouch” mean?

An expression of one's own physical pain.

Is “ouch” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.