Definition of "eh" in English

interjection

1. (informal, chiefly Canada, Upper Midwestern US, New Zealand, Australia, UK, Ireland, South Africa, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Commonwealth) Used as a tag question, to emphasise what goes before or to request that the listener express an opinion about what has been said.

   • These hot dogs are pretty good, eh?

2. In isolation, a request for repetition or clarification of what has just been said.

   • —I've been studying Graphiurus murinus. —Eh? Studying what?

3. In isolation, expressing surprise or confusion

   • —You're going to be a dad! —Eh? You're joking!

4. (chiefly Canada) An interjection used to ascertain the continued attention of someone addressed by the speaker.

   • I went to the restaurant, eh, but my friends didn't show up.

5. Expressing apathy or lack of enthusiasm; meh.

   • —Do you feel like going out tonight? —Eh, I don't know.

6. (Philippines) Expressing apprehension following or preceding a reasoning or excuse; uh.

   • —Why is it like this? —Eh, It's like that eh.

verb

1. To use the interjection eh.

adjective

1. (informal, predicative only) Of mediocre quality; unremarkable.

   • My French fries were eh.

interjection

1. (Singlish, usually impolite) Hey, oi; said to get someone's attention.

2. An interjection expressing disapproval.

   • Eh, please don’t say that...

3. (with rising pitch) Huh?; expresses confusion.

interjection

1. (MLE, MTE, regional African-American Vernacular, Chicano) an attention grabber

   • Eh, come here!
   • Eh, what do you have?

2. (informal, Internet slang) A greeting between friends (typically male) or display of approval.

adverb

1. (Caribbean, chiefly Trinidad and Tobago) Used to negate the following verb; (am/are/is/do/does) not.

particle

1. (Manglish, Singlish) Alternative form of leh.