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DictionaryahemDiscreet attention
interjection

ahem

uh-HEM/əˈhem/

A throat-clearing sound used to discreetly draw attention.

“Ahem,” the customer says with a throat-clearing sound to attract the distracted attendant's attention.

A restrained throat-clear gains the attention of a distracted service-desk attendant, shown in a compact two-moment sequence.
Etymology
ahemEnglishthroat-clearing sound

Hem imitates clearing the throat as if preparing to speak. Ahem extends that sound into an interjection used to draw someone's attention.

In context

Honey Love Sugar Drama49:43
Ahem. So it turns out, in this whole room, I'm the only one out of the loop.
【ENG DUB | FULL】The Prince Befriended a Little Boy Then Learned He Was His Son！#minidrama

More examples

  • Ahem, may I ask a question?
  • Ahem, you seem to have forgotten your change.
  • Ahem, someone is waiting to speak to you.

Similar words

cough
Usually names a reflex clearing the throat or lungs.
excuse me
Directly requests attention or acknowledges an interruption.