cough
verb (used without object)
to expel air from the lungs suddenly with a harsh noise, often involuntarily.
coughing
-
present participleof cough.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Canadians and Americans who spent July coughing on smoke deserve better than a false diagnosis.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026
"I felt very ill because I have asthma. I started coughing and I threw up," she told AFP at a gymnasium in the northern Madrid suburb of Alcobendas.
From Barron's ● Jul. 25, 2026
But even after the studio won a bidding war for the story, it balked at coughing up the money for a movie worthy of Madonna’s legacy.
From Salon ● Jul. 8, 2026
The virus can spread through coughing and sneezing — hanging in the air and living on surfaces for hours after an infected person has left a room.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2026
“Ain’t her fault,” Pa said, coughing and sniffling.
From "Willodeen" by Katherine Applegate
