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.
But for now the, ahem, buzz, is that Sacramento State figures to be a presence on the recruiting trail as the Hornets aim for their goal of playing in the FBS. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025 Own Your Community Building a business on social media comes with risks—like not owning your content (ahem, the impending TikTok ban), which could disrupt the livelihood and income of millions of businesses and creators. Katie Salcius, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 The occasionally ribald comedy leans into, ahem, corny jokes. Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Nov. 2024 Some of us, ahem, have already blown through the resolution part. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 6 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near ahem

Cite this Entry

“Ahem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ahem. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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