# um

> English word · Interjection · IPA /ʌm/ · frequency rank #5,846

## Definitions
1. Expression of hesitation, uncertainty or space filler in conversation.
2. Dated spelling of mmm.
3. An expression to forcefully call attention to something wrong.
4. An expression of shocked disapproval used by a child who witnesses forbidden behavior.

## Etymology
Onomatopoeic.

## Easily confused with
- **up** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-up)
- **us** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-us)
- **ur** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-ur)
- **UT** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-ut)
- **UV** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-uv)
- **UW** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-uw)
- **UO** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-uo)
- **UU** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-uu)
- **use** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-use)
- **USA** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-usa)
- **UPS** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-ups)
- **USB** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-usb)
- **USD** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-usd)
- **und** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-und)
- **URL** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-url)
- **USC** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-usc)
- **UTC** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-utc)
- **uni** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-uni)
- **umm** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-umm)
- **USS** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/um-vs-uss)

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/um