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phlegmy

American  
[flem-ee] / ˈflɛm i /

adjective

phlegmier, phlegmiest
  1. of, relating to, or characterized by phlegm.


Etymology

Origin of phlegmy

First recorded in 1540–50; phlegm + -y 1


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.

See Examples For:

You’ll also hear a larger, darker woofling from the tailpipes, and phlegmy, spattering cough as the rpm fall off.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 6, 2026

Sometimes plain and phlegmy, sometimes blood red from chewing tobacco-laced betel nut or paan, it decorates simple walls and mighty edifices alike.

From BBC ● Dec. 26, 2021

The surgeon on the New York flight later developed a high fever and phlegmy cough and was rushed to a local hospital the next morning.

From Fox News ● Jun. 15, 2020

The day after the flight, he was rushed by ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center with a high fever and phlegmy cough.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 14, 2020

He backs away and coughs, the sound wet and phlegmy.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

A lot of actors that I’ve talked to feel like dairy makes them feel phlegmier.

From New York Times ● Dec. 12, 2013

It had the power to soothe the roughest of sore throats and quiet the phlegmiest of coughs.

From Salon ● Jul. 19, 2026

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