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.
Some of us, ahem, have already blown through the resolution part. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 6 Jan. 2025 That said, as the survey reveals, talking about money can, ahem, be uncomfortable for folks. Melissa Willets, Parents, 3 Jan. 2025 But sometimes, parents and kids need a little alone time when traveling together, and many fun hotels for kids have dedicated spaces to meet this need – ahem, guilt-free childcare. Gina Kramer, USA TODAY, 28 Dec. 2024 The charisma seems more deniable 96 years later, but in fairness, this is probably due to subsequent, edgier interpretations and the, ahem, countless parodies of Lugosi’s Dracula, including Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 25 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near ahem

Cite this Entry

“Ahem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ahem. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!