um

interjection

a prolonged sound
How to pronounce um (audio)
əm
used to indicate hesitation
well, um, I don't know

Examples of um 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.
Does the thought of a new Young Frankenstein, um, electrify you? Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 25 June 2025 And also, significantly, what happens with the pay scale for executives and, um, coaches. Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 19 June 2025 The drones are equipped with precision navigation and GPS sensors, and incorporate multiple payloads (as required by the customer and their application) including infrared and mid-wave (3-5 um wavelength) thermal cameras, and LiDAR imaging for 3D awareness and mapping. Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 Following the, um, departure of Gwendoline Christie's Principal Weems, Buscemi's Barry Dort steps in as the school's new principal. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for um

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of um was in 1672

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Um.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/um. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

um

interjection
a prolonged
How to pronounce um (audio)
 sound,  əm
used to express hesitation
well, um, I don't know
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!