ahem

interjection

a throat-​clearing sound; often read as
ə-ˈhem How to pronounce ahem (audio)
used especially to attract attention or to express disapproval or embarrassment

Examples of ahem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Why do these foods aid in, ahem, clearing out the pipes? Caroline Tien, SELF, 20 Aug. 2025 That doesn’t mean Cal-Maine is an, ahem, calm business. Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025 The question is, which ones are the, ahem, primest examples? Jenny Berg, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2025 Steve, Robin and Nancy seemed to have rendered One, ahem, done. Charlie Mason, TVLine, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ahem

Word History

Etymology

imitative

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ahem was in 1603

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ahem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ahem. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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