um

um — interjection

1. a written form of the brief sound someone makes when they stop speaking for a mo

1.interjection
Definition

a written form of the brief sound someone makes when they stop speaking for a moment because they are thinking about what to say, or are unsure how to continue their thought.

Example

Um, I am not sure where I left my car keys this morning.

hesitation at the start of a sentence

When the waiter asked for his order, Quinn replied, "Um, I need another minute."

quoted dialogue showing hesitation

Common collocations
  • say um
  • um, well
  • um, like
  • start with um
Synonyms
  • uh

    a shorter, quicker hesitation sound; slightly less thoughtful than um

  • er

    common in British English as a hesitation marker

  • hmm

    implies the speaker is reflecting or considering something carefully, not just pausing

Usage Note

Only used in informal writing that represents speech, such as dialogue in stories, interview transcripts, or casual text messages. Not appropriate in formal academic or business writing.

Synonym discussion

Sense: interjection/1

Um, uh, er, and hmm all represent hesitation or thinking sounds in speech, but they differ in length, register, and implied mental state. Um suggests a brief pause while the speaker decides what to say next — it is the most neutral and common in American English. Uh is shorter and quicker, often used for very short hesitations before a single word. Er is chiefly British and carries a slightly more uncertain or awkward tone. Hmm implies active reflection or doubt rather than a simple pause — the speaker is weighing possibilities. In informal dialogue, um and uh are interchangeable for most short hesitations, while hmm signals deeper thought. For example: "Um, I think it's on the left" (simple uncertainty) vs. "Hmm, that's a tough question" (deliberate reflection).

uh ↗er ↗hmm ↗

Etymology

English (onomatopoeic)

Um is an onomatopoeic word that directly imitates the natural hesitation sound made in speech. It has been recorded in English writing since the early 1700s, though the sound itself is likely as old as human language. The spelling with a single 'm' became standard in the 20th century as literacy and printed dialogue spread.