Definition of -O- (original) (raw)

less common spelling of

1

—used to express an emotion (such as surprise or desire) or in response to physical stimuli

Oh, no! I forgot my key.

Oh, don't stop!

2

—used in direct address

Oh, waiter! Will you come here, please?

3

—used to express acknowledgment or understanding of a statement

Oh, yes. It's one of my favorite cities.

4

—used to introduce an example or approximation

Their house is about, oh, I'd say four miles from here.

Word History

Etymology

Combining form

Greek ōi-, ōio-, from ōion — more at egg entry 1

Affix

Greek, thematic vowel of many nouns and adjectives in combination

Noun suffix

perhaps from oh entry 1

Interjection suffix

probably from oh entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of o was before the 12th century