er
Er (intj) means used to fill a pause while thinking of what to say next. Example: “Er, I'm not sure I follow," he said, stalling for time.”
How to Use Er
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hesitation sound, like "um" or "uh," used when someone pauses mid-sentence to think.
Don't confuse with "err" (to make a mistake) — they sound different in most accents and mean entirely different things.
Informal; appears in dialogue and speech transcripts, rarely in formal writing.
Word Forms
erred past tense, ers plural, ers plural, Ers plural, ers singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
"_____, I'm not sure I follow," he said, stalling for time.
Etymology
A purely imitative (mimetic) word representing the natural sound people make while hesitating — not derived from any older root word.
Related Words
Rhymes for er
See all rhymes for er →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “er” mean?
The word “er” means used to fill a pause while thinking of what to say next. In plain terms, a hesitation sound, like "um" or "uh," used when someone pauses mid-sentence to think.
How do you pronounce “er”?
“Er” is pronounced ur (/ɜː/ in IPA).
How do you use “er” in a sentence?
Here is “er” used in a sentence: “"Er, I'm not sure I follow," he said, stalling for time.”
What part of speech is “er”?
Depending on how it is used, “er” can be an intj and a verb.
Is “er” a common word?
“Er” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “er” have?
“Er” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used to fill a pause while thinking of what to say next.
What is the difference between "er" and "um"?
Both are filler sounds used to pause while thinking of what to say next. "Er" is more typical of British English spelling, while "um" and "uh" are more common in American English, though the meaning is the same.
When should you use "er" in writing?
"Er" belongs mainly in dialogue or informal writing, where it shows a speaker hesitating or searching for words. In formal or professional writing it is normally left out, since it adds nothing to the meaning of a sentence.
What is the difference between "er" and "erm"?
Both represent hesitation in speech, but "erm" usually suggests a slightly longer or more uncertain pause. "Er" tends to mark a briefer stumble while a speaker gathers their thoughts.