ahem
interjection
a throat-clearing sound; often read as
ə-ˈhem 
—used especially to attract attention or to express disapproval or embarrassment
Examples of ahem in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One of the problems with any kind of ideological sorting of the kind The Economist attempted is that tribalism often, ahem, trumps ideology.
—
Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 26 Sep. 2025
After a nearly two-week frenzy of premieres, screenings, red carpets, parties, and some extremely tired journalists (ahem), this year’s Toronto International Film Festival ends today.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2025
This can be read as a clever knock on some of the mockumentary-format comedies that followed The Office, often — ahem, Modern Family — failing to provide any actual reason for the doc-style shooting and talking-head interviews.
—Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
The most effective anti-aging products can be a little harsh on the skin (ahem, retinol).
—Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ahem
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Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 26 Sep. 2025
After a nearly two-week frenzy of premieres, screenings, red carpets, parties, and some extremely tired journalists (ahem), this year’s Toronto International Film Festival ends today.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2025
This can be read as a clever knock on some of the mockumentary-format comedies that followed The Office, often — ahem, Modern Family — failing to provide any actual reason for the doc-style shooting and talking-head interviews.
—Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
The most effective anti-aging products can be a little harsh on the skin (ahem, retinol).
—Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ahem
Cite this Entry
“Ahem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ahem. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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