I. ˈ(h)wü, ˈhyü intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English whewen, of imitative origin
1. : to make a whistling noise : whistle
the soft whewing of the cranes flying overhead — Lawrence Durrell
2. : to utter an exclamatory whew
he whewed with relief when they all got safely over — J.T.Farrell
3. dialect : to move quickly : bustle about
II. “, as an exclamation a whistling sound consisting typically of ḵ followed by vȯiceless ü or of vȯiceless u̅e̅ preceded by a rounding of the lips & followed by vȯiceless ü noun
( -s )
1. : a whistling sound
the whew of the plover
the whew of lead still singing in their ears — Thomas Carlyle
2. : a sound like a half-formed whistle uttered as an exclamation
gave a long whew when he realized the size of the job
— used interjectionally chiefly to express amazement, discomfort, or relief
whew ! never have I seen such flying feet — Arnold Bennett
whew , it's hot here
whew , that was a close call