ahem
interjection
a throat-clearing sound; often read as
ə-ˈhem 
—used especially to attract attention or to express disapproval or embarrassment
Examples of ahem in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For a platform that’s almost old enough to order a cocktail, that’s a pretty fitting way to, ahem, raise the bar.
—
John Burek, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
There are several handsome layering options to get him through the fall and winter chill, along with some cooking upgrades that will please even the man who struggles with paint-by-numbers meal kit recipes (ahem, a pizza oven might change his life).
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 23 Mar. 2026
Your favorite summertime sandwich tastes just as good in salad form (ahem, pasta salad form).
—Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026
Deductions Available for Parents in 2026 An anonymous parent who wishes not to be named wonders what the difference between credits and deductions is—ahem, ahem.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 21 Feb. 2026
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John Burek, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
There are several handsome layering options to get him through the fall and winter chill, along with some cooking upgrades that will please even the man who struggles with paint-by-numbers meal kit recipes (ahem, a pizza oven might change his life).
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 23 Mar. 2026
Your favorite summertime sandwich tastes just as good in salad form (ahem, pasta salad form).
—Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026
Deductions Available for Parents in 2026 An anonymous parent who wishes not to be named wonders what the difference between credits and deductions is—ahem, ahem.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ahem
Cite this Entry
“Ahem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ahem. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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