ahem
interjection/əˈhɛm/
Frequency rank: #10,029 most common English word
Meaning
An exclamation used to attract attention or express mild disapproval or hesitation.
Example sentence
She cleared her throat with ahem to get everyone's attention before speaking.
Synonyms & related words
- hem
- hmm
- ehem
Practice this word in the quiz
More words in ranks 10,001–10,100
- wannabeA person who wants to be someone famous or successful but has not yet achieved it.
- whalingthe practice or industry of hunting and killing whales for their oil, meat, or other products.
- wiggleto move with short twisting or side-to-side motions.
- wrongdoingillegal or dishonest behavior; an act that is morally or legally wrong.
- aggregationthe process of gathering or collecting things together into a mass or whole.
- alkalinehaving a pH greater than 7; containing alkali; basic rather than acidic.
- alumA graduate or former student of a particular school, college, or university.
- antidotea substance that counteracts the effects of a poison or disease.
- archeryThe sport or skill of shooting arrows with a bow.
- arterialrelating to a main route or artery, especially a major road or blood vessel.