To falter or hesitate in speech; to be unable to speak smoothly, often because of nervousness or surprise.
記者の質問に彼は言いよどみながら答えた。
He answered the reporter's question while hesitating and faltering.
悲しい知らせに、母は言いよどんで声が震えた。
At the sad news, my mother faltered and her voice trembled.
彼は重要なことを言いよどみ、そのまま話が途切れた。
He hesitated to say something important, and the conversation broke off.