1 zowie | Definition of zowie
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

zowie

interjection
zow·​ie | \ ˈzau̇-Ä“ How to pronounce zowie (audio) \

Definition of zowie

—used to express astonishment or admiration especially in response to something sudden or speedy

Did You Know?

The word zowie was inspired by the sound of a speeding vehicle-a new phenomenon when the word entered the lexicon in 1902, the year before the Ford Motor Company sold its first car. It wasn't until the 1930s and 40s, though, that "zowie" really picked up the pace. "Zowie" isn't one of a kind. The British interjection "pip-pip," used to say "goodbye," dates to around the same time and is thought to be imitative of a bicycle or car horn. And "toodle-oo" (a word that sees some use on the American side of the Atlantic though it is more common in British English) shares the same meaning and hypothetical origin.

First Known Use of zowie

1902, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for zowie

imitative of the sound of a speeding vehicle

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on zowie

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with zowie

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!