uh
Uh (intj) means a filler sound used while thinking or hesitating in speech. Example: “Uh, I'm not sure," he stammered.”
How to Use Uh
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hesitation sound people make while they think of what to say next.
Spoken/informal only; represents a natural speech filler, not written prose.
Word Forms
uhs plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
"_____, I'm not sure," he stammered.
Related Words
Rhymes for uh
See all rhymes for uh →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “uh” mean?
The word “uh” means a filler sound used while thinking or hesitating in speech. In plain terms, a hesitation sound people make while they think of what to say next.
How do you pronounce “uh”?
“Uh” is pronounced uh (/ʌː/ in IPA).
How do you use “uh” in a sentence?
Here is “uh” used in a sentence: “"Uh, I'm not sure," he stammered.”
What part of speech is “uh”?
“Uh” is an intj.
Is “uh” a common word?
“Uh” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "uh" and "um"?
Both are filler sounds used to pause while thinking, but "uh" is a shorter, more open hesitation, while "um" ends with a closed "m" sound that can signal a slightly longer pause. In speech they are largely interchangeable.
What is the difference between "uh," "uh-huh," and "uh-uh"?
"Uh" is a neutral filler used while hesitating, "uh-huh" means yes or agreement, and "uh-uh" means no. The differences are carried mainly by stress and rhythm when the sounds are spoken.
When should you avoid using "uh" in writing?
"Uh" is a natural feature of speech but is usually left out of formal writing, where it adds no meaning and can look unpolished. It is kept mainly in dialogue, transcripts, and informal messages to show hesitation.