harrumph
Americanverb (used without object)
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to clear the throat audibly in a self-important manner.
The professor harrumphed good-naturedly.
-
to express oneself gruffly.
verb
Etymology
Origin of harrumph
First recorded in 1935–40; imitative
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.
Grunting may be the lingua franca of Bos grunniens, but they also harrumph, bellow and squeak, and calves occasionally meep.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 8, 2026
A handful of townspeople now mutter about seceding from the local council area, echoing a widening harrumph of displeasure with the various layers of government in Britain.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026
"Trousers," exclaims the Prince Andrew character, with a fruity harrumph, as though taken aback by a female interviewer wearing trousers.
From BBC ● Apr. 5, 2024
That number started dropping in the 1980s and has fallen since, prompting old-timers to harrumph at what slackers these lazy kids are.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 28, 2021
Soheil lets out a noise somewhere between a harrumph and a loud exhale.
From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
