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 Mission: Impossible: Skydance’s financial backing has been integral to star Cruise’s — ahem — mission to keep pushing the boundaries of action filmmaking. Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 July 2024 For the, ahem, big dogs of the industry — billion-dollar companies often owned by even larger food conglomerates — business has been pretty good the last few years. Whizy Kim, Vox, 1 July 2024 Meanwhile, the brand is making a cheeky appearance during Paris Fashion Week by unveiling its winter 2024 men’s campaign, each image featuring a naked figure viewed mainly from, ahem, behind. Miles Socha, WWD, 21 June 2024 This problem requires more resources and new policy tools (perhaps, ahem, something like the bipartisan border bill that Trump tanked). Catherine Rampell, Washington Post, 14 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for ahem 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ahem.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

imitative

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ahem was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near ahem

Cite this Entry

“Ahem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ahem. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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