Added 9 October 2026 ahem /əˈhɛm/ noun Categories: LanguageRare Words noun ! Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about ahem at Wordnik → Where our words come from → The utterance of a sound similar to clearing the throat; intended to get attention, express hesitancy, fill a pause, hide embarrassment, warn a friend, etc. Origin Onomatopoeic. From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA) Related Words: hmmhumhuhmmmcoughhuskhockwhoopthroatgackhack Back to today's word