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Definition of um

um

/ʌm/
um
Plural:ums
•
Past Simple:ummed
•
Past Participle:ummed
•
Present Participle:umming
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um Lexical Profile

um Game Scores & Validity

• interjection

1

Used as a vocalized pause to express hesitation, doubt, uncertainty, or a moment of deliberation while speaking.

Example

"Um, I am not entirely sure which room the seminar has been moved to."

Synonyms
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• noun

1

An utterance of the sound 'um' as a filler or hesitation in speech.

Example

"With practice, the student learned to deliver her presentation without frequent ums and pauses."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for um

• verb

1

To utter the sound 'um' or hesitate while speaking or deciding.

Example

"The witness ummed for several seconds before answering the attorney's question."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for um

• Nearby Words

ultraviolet
ultrawide
ulyanovsk
um
umami
umatilla
umatilla river

Word Origin & Etymology

Imitative of the natural vocal sound produced when pausing or hesitating during speech, attested in written English since the early 17th century.

Cite this Entry

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