SKIP TO CONTENT

ahem

/əˈhʌm/
/əˈhʌm/
IPA guide

Other forms: ahems

Use the interjection ahem when you want to get someone's attention in a low-key way. If a class is being noisy, the teacher may say, "Ahem, class. Let's turn our attention to the periodic table of the elements now."

Ahem mimics the sound of a person clearing their throat, so you can use it any time you might naturally do some throat-clearing. In addition to getting attention, saying ahem can also express disapproval, embarrassment, or hesitation. If your overhear your friends talking about you, you might say, "Ahem. I'm standing right here."

Definitions of ahem
  1. noun
    the utterance of a sound similar to clearing the throat; intended to get attention, express hesitancy, fill a pause, hide embarrassment, warn a friend, etc.
    synonyms: hem
    see moresee less
    type of:
    utterance, vocalization
    the use of uttered sounds for auditory communication
  2. interjection
    used to represent a sound that expresses disapproval or annoyance
  3. interjection
    used to represent a sound that expresses sarcasm
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘ahem'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family