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Definition of er

er

/ɜːr/
er
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er Lexical Profile

er Game Scores & Validity

• interjection

1

Used to express hesitation, uncertainty, awkwardness, or a pause in speech while the speaker thinks of what to say next.

Example

"Well, er, I was hoping we could reschedule our meeting for tomorrow morning."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for er

Word Nuance & Usage

'Er' is the standard British and formal written representation of a vocalized pause or hesitation, whereas 'uh' and 'um' are more commonly used in American English.

• Rhymes for er

• Nearby Words

equivalent
equivalently
equivocal
er
era
eradicate
eradication

Word Origin & Etymology

Of imitative origin, representing a natural non-lexical vowel sound made in the throat during a pause in speech; attested in English writing since the mid-19th century.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Er. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/er
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