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Definition of ahem exclamation from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

ahem

exclamation

/əˈhem/,

/əˈhəm/

/əˈhem/,

/əˈhəm/

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used in writing to show the sound of a short cough (= the noise made when air is forced from the throat) made by somebody who is trying to get attention or to say something that is difficult or embarrassing
- Ahem, can I make a suggestion?
More Like This Exclamations
Exclamations
- aargh
- ah
- aha
- ahchoo
- ahem
- aw
- bah
- boo
- coo
- d’oh
- eek
- eh
- er
- eww
- gee
- ha
- hey
- ho ho
- ho-hum
- hooray
- huh
- mm
- oh
- oho
- oi
- ooh
- oops
- ouch
- ow
- oy
- pah
- phew
- psst
- sh
- tsk tsk
- tut
- ugh
- uh
- uh-oh
- uh-uh
- um
- whoopee
- whoops
- woo hoo
- wow
- yay
- yippee
- yuck
- yum
Word Originmid 18th cent.: lengthened form of hem, a sound made when coughing or clearing the throat to attract attention or express hesitation.

See ahem in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

Check pronunciation: ahem

Nearby words

noun

From the Topic

Physics and chemistry

C2

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