Synonyms

um

American

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

Or umm

interjection

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

um ¹ British

/ ʌm, əm /

interjection

a representation of a common sound made when hesitating in speech

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

um ² British

abbreviation

US Minor Outlying Islands

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s emblazoned right on the welcome mat: Um estilo de vida.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

"Um, it's hard to explain. Um, um, uh, a world tour. I'm Justin Timberlake," the star says.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

“Personal loans can make sense for structured debt consolidation or a short-term need with a clear payoff plan,” Um said.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

Um . . . there are no dragons in this show.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2026

“I know exactly where your daughter is. Um, if you’ll follow me?”

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

um

interjection

interjection

abbreviation

Example Sentences

Related Words