1. A sound made to attract attention, express doubt, or clear the throat politely.
Usage: Often used to signal that someone is about to speak or to politely interrupt.

1. To make an 'ahem' sound; to clear one's throat audibly.
Usage: Informal; often used in writing to indicate a throat-clearing sound.

Examples

• Ahem, may I have your attention please?
• She ahem'd loudly to interrupt the conversation.
• The speaker ahem'd before beginning the presentation.
• Ahem—I think you forgot something important.
• He ahem'd nervously before asking the difficult question.
• The teacher ahem'd to get the class to settle down.