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
This paper offers a bundle — ahem — of interesting facts, including:
+ Around 1860, firewood accounted for around 85% of energy consumption in the United States.
—
Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 8 July 2025
The, ahem, sober, clinical diagnosis of what happened in Game 5 is that the Pacers, generally, didn’t play well (which will be dissected elsewhere at The Athletic), and specifically Haliburton turned in a stinker — which happens from time to time with him.
—Sam Settleman, New York Times, 31 May 2025
But which cast is going to pull off the most—ahem—super press style?
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 10 July 2025
Three date ideas May that are guaranteed to impress, even the most jaded of daters (ahem, me).
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
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Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 8 July 2025
The, ahem, sober, clinical diagnosis of what happened in Game 5 is that the Pacers, generally, didn’t play well (which will be dissected elsewhere at The Athletic), and specifically Haliburton turned in a stinker — which happens from time to time with him.
—Sam Settleman, New York Times, 31 May 2025
But which cast is going to pull off the most—ahem—super press style?
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 10 July 2025
Three date ideas May that are guaranteed to impress, even the most jaded of daters (ahem, me).
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ahem
Cite this Entry
“Ahem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ahem. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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