How to Type œ (Oe ligature (ethel)) on Microsoft Word

Published May 19, 2026, 2 min read

Need œ on Microsoft Word for a name, an address or a word in another language? You do not have to copy it from a website every time. The fastest method is Ctrl+Shift+&, then O, and there are a few backups below for when that one is not available.

œ on Microsoft Word: Ctrl+Shift+&, then O

Œ on Microsoft Word: Ctrl+Shift+&, then Shift+O

Or copy it:

Method 1: Word keyboard shortcut

Press Ctrl+Shift+&, then O. Press the first combination, release, then type the letter. This works in Word for Windows and in Outlook.

Method 2: Alt+X Unicode trick

Type 0153 where you want the letter.
Press Alt+X. Word turns the code into œ.

Press Alt+X again to turn it back into the code. On a Mac, Word uses the macOS methods instead: Option+Q.

Method 3: Insert Symbol

Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols.
Set "from" to Unicode (hex) and type 0153 in Character code.
Click Insert. You can also assign a shortcut key here.

Method 4: Alt code

With Num Lock on, hold Alt and type 0156 on the number pad.

How to type the capital Œ

The uppercase form works the same way with Shift added where a letter is typed.

Word keyboard shortcut

Press Ctrl+Shift+&, then Shift+O. Press the first combination, release, then type the letter. This works in Word for Windows and in Outlook.

Alt+X Unicode trick

Type 0152 where you want the letter.
Press Alt+X. Word turns the code into Œ.

Press Alt+X again to turn it back into the code. On a Mac, Word uses the macOS methods instead: Option+Shift+Q.

About the letter œ

œ is Unicode U+0153, named LATIN SMALL LIGATURE OE. It is used in French. See the œ character page for every code and shortcut.

Troubleshooting

Ctrl accent shortcuts are in Word for Windows. Word for Mac uses the macOS Option shortcuts.
If Alt+X converts the wrong text, select just the code first, then press Alt+X.
Change the font if the letter shows as an empty box; Calibri, Arial and Times New Roman cover common accents.

Frequently asked questions

What is the shortcut for œ on Microsoft Word?

Ctrl+Shift+&, then O.

Can I just copy and paste œ?

Yes. Click the copy button above, then paste with Ctrl+V on Windows and Chromebook, Cmd+V on a Mac, or touch and hold and choose Paste on a phone.

What is the Unicode code for œ?

U+0153. In HTML it is &oelig;.

Related guides

All accent shortcuts for Microsoft Word