cough

American  

[kawf, kof] / kɔf, kɒf /

verb (used without object)

1. to expel air from the lungs suddenly with a harsh noise, often involuntarily.

2. (of an internal-combustion engine) to make a similar noise as a result of the failure of one or more cylinders to fire in sequence.

3. to make a similar sound, as a machine gun firing in spurts.

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verb (used with object)

1. to expel by coughing (usually followed by up orout ).

   to cough up phlegm.

noun

1. the act or sound of coughing.

2. an illness characterized by frequent coughing.

3. a sound similar to a cough, a machine gun, or an engine firing improperly.

verb phrase

1. cough up

   1. to relinquish, especially reluctantly; contribute; give.

   2. to blurt out; state, as by way of making a confession.

      After several hours of vigorous questioning by the police, he finally coughed up the information.

cough British  

/ kɒf /

verb

1. (intr) to expel air or solid matter from the lungs abruptly and explosively through the partially closed vocal chords

2. (intr) to make a sound similar to this

3. (tr) to utter or express with a cough or coughs

4. slang (intr) to confess to a crime

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noun

1. an act, instance, or sound of coughing

2. a condition of the lungs or throat that causes frequent coughing

cough Scientific  

/ kôf,kŏf /

1. The act of expelling air from the lungs suddenly and noisily, often to keep the respiratory passages free of irritating material.

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Other Word Forms

• cougher noun

Etymology

Origin of cough

1275–1325; Middle English coghen, apparently < Old English *cohhian (compare its derivative cohhettan to cough); akin to Dutch kuchen to cough, German keuchen to wheeze

Example Sentences

“But now, for the next six weeks, he can’t sneeze or cough because it could do a lot of damage.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Our data suggests key things that increase the likelihood of flu transmission -- coughing is a major one," said Dr. Jianyu Lai, post-doctoral research scientist, who led data analysis and report writing for the team.

From Science Daily

“I am still dealing with a cough that I am managing with over-the-counter medication.”

From Salon

Influenza can lead to complications and fatalities, especially in people 65 years and older or under 5 with fever, cough and sore throat.

From Los Angeles Times

In 1962, President Kennedy signed the Vaccination Assistance Act, which ensured that all children under five, regardless of income, could receive vaccines against polio, diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus.

From Salon

Related Words

• bark
• choke
• hack
• vomit
• whoop