er

er · interjection

imported

Definitions

interjection

  1. 1.

    A sound used to express hesitation or uncertainty while speaking.

  2. 2.

    Used as a filler while pausing to think of what to say next.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    er, um — combined hesitation sounds indicating uncertainty

Related words

See also: hmm, uh, um
Synonyms: ah, hmm, uh, um

Etymology

An imitative representation of the hesitation sound made while speaking, common in British English (American English more commonly uses "uh" or "um").