An inarticulate exclamation uttered with the lips closed, either in a pause of hesitation or embarrassment, or as expressing slight…

An inarticulate vocal sound (/hɜː/ or/ɜː/), expressing hesitation or interruption in speech. Often in collocation with hum.

An utterance marking hesitation: cf. ha, int. 3. Usually in collocation with hum. See also haw-haw, v.

An exclamation representing a slight cough or clearing of the throat, used (a) to attract attention, esp. prior to speaking (b) to express…

An expression of hesitation uttered repeatedly in an affected tone. Also, the representation of loud or boisterous laughter.

See hem, int., hum, int.

U.S. Expressing hesitation: = er, int.