hesitation

noun

hes·​i·​ta·​tion ˌhe-zə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce hesitation (audio)
1
: an act or instance of hesitating
2
: a pausing or faltering in speech

Examples of hesitation in a Sentence

one moment's hesitation on my part, and the elusive butterfly was lost to me forever
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The right people are drawn to energy, not hesitation. Jw Roth, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025 Decades later in an interview with The Saturday Evening Post, Brolin reflected on his initial hesitation to take the role. Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 18 July 2025 But even though there were two outs, the speedy Simpson held up and waited to see if Rafaela would make the grab, and that hesitation proved crucial when the center fielder popped up and threw out Aranda at third base to end the inning. Mac Cerullo, Hartford Courant, 13 July 2025 The Mayan Mocha consists of Mexican chocolate and habanero peppers, which was a refreshing treat despite the initial hesitations. Kat Tran updated July 12, Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for hesitation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hesitation was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Hesitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitation. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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