Definitions

1. exclamation

a sudden, loud, artificial cough to get attention, especially before speaking or reading aloud

“Before starting the presentation, she let out a loud ahem to grab everyone’s attention.”

2. verb

to cough or make a sound like a cough, typically in order to get attention

“The comedian ahemed loudly after a particularly long pause in the show.”

3. noun

the sound of coughing or a coughing gesture

“The sound of ahem echoed through the empty auditorium.”