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Definition of harrumph

harrumph

/həˈrʌmf/
har · rumph
Plural:harrumphs
•
Past Simple:harrumphed
•
Past Participle:harrumphed
•
Present Participle:harrumphing
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harrumph Lexical Profile

harrumph Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To clear the throat noisily or speak in a gruff, pompous, or disapproving manner.

Example

"The critic harrumphed loudly throughout the modern art presentation."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• interjection

1

Used to represent a guttural throat-clearing sound expressing pompous disapproval, skepticism, or indignation.

Example

""Harrumph!" the retired colonel muttered as he folded his newspaper in disgust."

Synonyms
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• noun

1

A guttural sound of clearing the throat, made to express pompous disapproval, irritation, or disdain.

Example

"The chairman gave a loud harrumph before dismissing the proposal entirely."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for harrumph

• Nearby Words

harrow
harrowing
harrowingly
harrumph
harry
harsh
harshen

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century as an onomatopoeic imitation of the guttural sound made when clearing one's throat in pompous disapproval.

Cite this Entry

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