# ahem

/əhˈəm/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Interjection

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ahem
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the sound you make when you clear your throat to get someone's attention. You use it to show you are waiting, to express doubt, or to point out something awkward.

For teachers: represents the sound of a quiet, simulated cough used to attract attention or express mild disapproval. Often used to signal that the speaker finds a situation awkward or to indicate that someone has been overlooked.

## Examples

- Ahem, I believe I was next in line.
- When the manager continued to ignore the growing queue of customers, a man at the front gave a loud ahem to get her attention.
- The speaker paused mid-sentence, offering a pointed ahem to signal that the whispering in the back of the lecture hall was becoming a distraction to the rest of the audience.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as a standalone utterance or at the beginning of a sentence to establish a specific social tone.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.