Meaning & use
Harumph
Last updated
To clear one's throat loudly or make a grumbling sound to express irritation, disapproval, or impatience.
See it in a sentence
The old professor harumphed at the suggestion that his theory was outdated.
She harumphed and walked off when no one agreed with her plan.
A note on using this word
Harumph, also spelled harrumph, is an onomatopoeic word imitating the sound of a disapproving throat-clear, often associated with pompous or fussy characters.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. noun
A grumbling, disapproving sound made in the throat.
He answered with nothing more than a harumph.
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