What does voila mean?
Voila is an interjection used to express surprise, excitement, or triumph when revealing something. It is often used in presentations, performances, or when showing something off. The word has French origins and literally means 'look' or 'see'. Voila is commonly used in both British and US English, and is often used to add a touch of drama or flair to a situation. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from formal presentations to casual conversations. Overall, voila is a useful word to know and use in everyday language.
interjectionUsed to express surprise or excitement at revealing something.
- An expression used to draw attention to something newly revealed or created.
"And voila! The curtains opened to reveal a stunning view."
"And voila! The curtains opened to reveal a stunning view."
"Voila, my new painting!"
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of voila
Voila originates from French, where it is a combination of 'voir', meaning 'to see', and a grammatical particle. It has been adopted into English as an interjection to express surprise or excitement. The word has been used in English since the 18th century.
Usage notes
Often used in presentations, performances, or when showing something off.