fillers
n. countablen. words or sounds like 'um' or 'ah' that you use while speaking to give yourself time to think. They help you keep talking without stopping completely.
n. sounds, words, or phrases used in spoken language to signal a pause or hesitation without giving up the speaker's turn. Common examples include 'uh', 'um', 'like', and 'you know'.
Try to use fewer fillers like 'um' when you give your presentation.
The public speaking coach advised the students to embrace silence rather than relying on vocal fillers between their main points.
While excessive use of fillers can undermine a speaker's perceived authority, they serve a vital pragmatic function in natural conversation by indicating that the speaker has not yet finished their thought.
Usually used in the plural when referring to linguistic pauses; can also refer to materials used to plug gaps in construction or cosmetic procedures.