Is OW a Scrabble Word? — Yes, Valid for 5 Points
OW — 5 Points
O=1, W=4 · Valid in TWL ✓ · Valid in SOWPODS ✓
An exclamation of pain. One of the essential 2-letter words for placing your W tile efficiently in parallel plays and tight board positions.
5 pts
Base Score
W=4
Key Tile
5+
Extensions
Both
Dictionaries
Definition & Usage
OW is an interjection expressing sudden pain or surprise — the sound you make when you stub your toe. It's informal speech that's been accepted into all official Scrabble dictionaries.
📖 Dictionary Entry
OW (interjection) — used to express sudden pain. Also spelled "ow!" Variant of "ouch." Valid in competitive play since its inclusion in the Official Scrabble Players Dictionary.
Extensions from OW
Strategy Tips
W placement: OW is your go-to for placing W (4pts) when the board is tight. Play it parallel to an existing word for bonus crossword points on both letters.
Hook into OWL/OWN/OWE: Play OW first, then extend it next turn into OWL, OWN, or OWE. This lets you score twice from the same position — once for OW, once for the extension.
Front hooks: BOW (8pts), COW (8pts), HOW (9pts), LOW (6pts), MOW (8pts), NOW (6pts), ROW (6pts), SOW (6pts), TOW (6pts), VOW (9pts), WOW (9pts) — OW accepts many front hooks for extra scoring.
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