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.
Avoid rough surfaces and excessive force (ahem, dropping it often). Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2024 Dancing around Spider-Man without ever getting to use him also contributed to the feeling that these spin-off films were merely exercises in, ahem, craven opportunism. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 14 Dec. 2024 Attachments Many hair dryers will come with a concentrator, but attachments can go as far as wide-tooth combs and flyaway treatments (ahem, Dyson, once again). Alyssa Brascia, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024 No showrunner has been locked in yet, with a deal being, ahem, hammered out. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 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 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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