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.
“Or whatever the digital version of coughing up a hairball is.”
From Slate ● Oct. 14, 2026
Larger nodules can cause shortness of breath, chest pain and persistent coughing -- sometimes with blood.
From Barron's ● Oct. 12, 2026
Symptoms include shortness of breath and coughing, often with blood-tainted phlegm.
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026
She had gone back to the raisin fields days after she was exposed, even though her throat was sore and she was coughing, because she needed the money.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 24, 2026
I looked, and saw Karli’s eyes opening, and then he was coughing and choking, the water was spurting up out of his mouth onto the kitchen floor.
From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo
