interjection

/ˈɪntərˌdʒɛkʃən/

/ɪntəˈdʒɛkʃən/

Other forms: interjections

An interjection is a word like "Hey!" or "Mmm!" or "Ugh!" Interjections can also be longer interruptions of a conversation or something happening.

The inter part of interjection, which means "between," is a good clue that this is a term for words that bust in on other strings of words. If you've ever said "Whoa!", you've used an interjection. Interjections interject or interrupt — they break into the conversation. People often use interjections when excited, such as "Yes!" or "Wow!" You could also say, "May I make an interjection?" That would be a polite way of saying you'd like to add something.

Definitions of interjection

1. noun

   an abrupt emphatic exclamation expressing emotion
   type of:

   exclaiming, exclamation

   an abrupt excited utterance
2. noun

   the action of interjecting or interposing an action or remark that interrupts
   synonyms: interpellation, interpolation, interposition

   type of:

   break, disruption, gap, interruption

   an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity