ahem

interjection \ a throat-clearing sound; often read as ə-ˈhem ; \

Definition of ahem

—used especially to attract attention or to express disapproval or embarrassment

See ahem defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of ahem from the Web

Tom Steinbach is the guy who keeps the Ocomonomoc River and all its tributaries and lakes clean (ahem, like Lac La Belle and Fowler Lake).

— lainey seyler, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Tom Steinbach: 5 things he can't do without," 28 Aug. 2017
And, true to her, ahem, reputation, the 2017 MTV VMAs were no different: Perry wore nine ensembles total, all of which were appropriately OTT and formidable contenders for a spot among the most memorable outfits in the award show's history.

— halie lesavage, Glamour, "Every Single One of Katy Perry's VMAs 2017 Outfit Changes," 27 Aug. 2017
Ostriches, by the way, often have sticky fingers, ahem, beaks.

— karen d’souza, chicagotribune.com, "Safari West: A free-range zoo adventure in California," 17 Aug. 2017
What an episode for touching (longing?) gazes between potential family members, completely awful plans, ignoring the single most important development of this series thus far (ahem, Sam) and of course, impending doom.

— danielle ohl, baltimoresun.com, "Game of Thrones episode 5 recap: 'The threat is real'," 14 Aug. 2017
Now, nearly half a century later, the program is—ahem—under water by $24.6 billion.

— beth kowitt, Fortune, "Climate Change Is About to Remake the Insurance Industry," 25 July 2017
This explains why the toilet currently sits perfectly upright, as if awaiting the return of, ahem, Captain John.

— chris mcnamara, chicagotribune.com, "A deep dive into Michigan's eerie, beautiful Shipwreck Coast," 18 July 2017
The gloaming setting, the dead girl at the heart of the narrative, the casual use of the gory or grotesque, even the ominous synth theme (ahem, Stranger Things)—these have all become familiar tropes.

— rachel syme, New Republic, "How the New Twin Peaks Made Television Strange Again," 10 July 2017
The team’s closer — Francisco Rodriguez — is in the minors, hoping to get another chance, ahem, with Washington.

— jeff seidel, Detroit Free Press, "As they sputter to halfway point, Tigers must face facts, trade away pieces," 2 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ahem.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of ahem

imitative

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First Known Use: 1603

in the meaning defined above

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AHEM Defined for English Language Learners

ahem

interjection

Definition of ahem for English Language Learners

—used in writing to represent a sound that is like a quiet cough that people make especially to attract attention or to express disapproval or embarrassment