Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

aw

/ɔː/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.13 in modern English

Syllables: aw
IPA: /ɔː/

5

Scrabble Score

2

Letters

1

Syllables

2

Unique Chars

Meaning

intj

Used to express disappointment or dismay.

intj

Used to express mild protest, entreaty, consternation, or disapproval.

intj

Used to express affection.

intj

Used to anticipate reporting to a person in authority that the listener has done something wrong.

noun

An instance of aw.

noun

Initialism of autumn/winter; often followed by a year.

Uncountable

name

Example Sentences

"Aw, that's too bad..."
"Aw, dad, why can't we go to Legoland?"
"Aw, you've got such a cute baby bird!"
"Aww, you said a bad word!"
"Mr. McGuire, 64, a retired science teacher and two-term incumbent on the Town Council, selected a card, the six of hearts, drawing approving oos and aws from his supporters."
"AW23 collection"

Etymology

Natural exclamation.

Usage

Uncountable

Inflected Forms

aww (alternative) awh (alternative) aws (plural)

Phrases

aw man aw shucks aw well

Frequently Paired Words

SS

Synonyms

oh ooh FW

Homonyms

awe or (non-rhotic) oar ore o'er (non-rhotic, horse–hoarse merger) aww

Rhymes With

law in-law saw draw shaw withdraw straw jaw flaw claw paw mcgraw

Questions

How do you pronounce aw?: The recorded pronunciation is /ɔː/.
What does aw mean?: Used to express disappointment or dismay.
Where does aw come from?: Natural exclamation.

How to pronounce aw

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “aw”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ɔː/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “aw”.
Repeat and practice — Say “aw” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.