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
The latter song definitely required a bit of a disclaimer from Kylie, as the buzzy lyrics are full of innuendos about Travis’ — ahem — package.
—
Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2025
The best trousers are extremely versatile: dress them up with a little kitten heel and blouse, or dress them down for a day of sightseeing (ahem, pair them with that aforementioned quintessential T-shirt).
—Kristine Thomason, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025
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
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Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2025
The best trousers are extremely versatile: dress them up with a little kitten heel and blouse, or dress them down for a day of sightseeing (ahem, pair them with that aforementioned quintessential T-shirt).
—Kristine Thomason, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for ahem
Cite this Entry
“Ahem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ahem. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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