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.
Indeed, devoted fans of the Murphy movies — especially the more, ahem, mature viewers — likely will be willing to overlook some of the messy violence and salty language to relish this trip in the wayback machine. Joe Leydon, Variety, 13 June 2025 There’s a dozen UPA players opted out of MLP at this point, some of whom flourished in the MLP format (ahem, Julian Arnold), so what’s a couple more? Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025 Emmanuel Clase, who blew only three of his 50 save chances last season — ahem, during the regular season, that is — relinquished the lead in the ninth. Zack Meisel, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 The task is ostensibly simple: A team of chefs cut food, cook food, and serve up finished dishes to a zombie army known as the, ahem, Unbread. Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 19 Mar. 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 3 Jul. 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!