harrumph

[ huh-ruhmf ]

verb (used without object)

1. to clear the throat audibly in a self-important manner:

   The professor harrumphed good-naturedly.

2. to express oneself gruffly.

harrumph

/ həˈrʌmf /

verb

1. intr to clear or make the noise of clearing the throat

Word History and Origins

Origin of harrumph¹

First recorded in 1935–40; imitative

Example Sentences

"Trousers," exclaims the Prince Andrew character, with a fruity harrumph, as though taken aback by a female interviewer wearing trousers.

From BBC

They treated an audience that knows how to harrumph to a smorgasbord of how things should be done.

From Washington Post

In one harrumph, Trump charged that no incumbent president since 1960 had failed to win the general election after winning Iowa, Florida and Ohio.

From Washington Post

Nan took a long drink of her juice and harrumphed.

From Literature

The ghost harrumphed and moved off through the crowd, where a few of the other household ghosts had joined the group, as well as some ghosts Ophie had never seen before.

From Literature