uh

interjection

ˈə How to pronounce uh (audio)
usually with prolonged ə
chiefly US, informal
—used to express hesitation
Do you want to, uh, go out sometime?

Examples of uh in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
She's also stood up for Caitlin Clark when some, uh, jealous opponents have gone after her with overly physical fouls or altercations, which instantly increased her popularity among Clark's massive fan base. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026 They were provided by a speedy and adventurous black squirrel, who spent the better part of an inning on and around the playing field and at one point led an army of ground crew members on a wild goose — uh, squirrel — chase in right field. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026 If Cryptina isn’t quite ready for primetime (or, uh, post-primetime) TV, that’s also part of her appeal. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026 The action is underway in Scotland too but, uh, the less said about my beloved Dundee United losing to Montrose, the better. — Kris Holt, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for uh

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of uh was in 1962

Phrases Containing uh

Rhymes for uh

See All Rhymes for uh

Browse Nearby Words

ugt
uh
UHF
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Uh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uh. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All