ahem

The sound of a quiet cough or of clearing one's throat.

a sound like a small cough, made to clear the throat so that people pay attention to the person speaking

Indicates the speaker does not wish to be perceived as rude, often intimating an impolite meaning to a third party that the speaker is not addressing.

Indicates subtle sarcasm, polite lying, or euphemism.

Indicates an unintentional or inappropriate pun.

Expresses disapproval or annoyance.

To cough or clear one's throat so as to draw attention.