um

American  

[uhm, uhn, uhm, uhn] / ʌm, ʌ̃, əm, ə̃ /

Or umm

interjection

1. (used as an expression of doubt, hesitation, deliberation, interest, etc.)

---

um ¹ British  

/ ʌm, əm /

interjection

1. a representation of a common sound made when hesitating in speech

---

um ² British  

abbreviation

1. US Minor Outlying Islands

---

Example Sentences

“Y’know, it is, I, the two, the two that I am on the panel with are much more steeped in foreign policy than is, than a governor is, but, um, you know, I do think that, uh, Ukraine’s independence, keeping their, their land mass, and having, um, the support of, of all the allies, I think is, is, the goal—from my vantage point.”

From The Wall Street Journal

“Um, you know, I think that this is such a, you know, I think that this is, this is of course a very longstanding policy of the United States,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Um, Monique?” she said after a few moments.

From Literature

“Um . . . okay,” she said, apparently too surprised to think of a smart-alecky comeback.

From Literature

“Um . . . ,” Jonah couldn’t decide.

From Literature

Related Words

• cry
• exclamation
• expletive
• insertion
• interpolation
• interposition
• shout