cough syrup

American  

noun

1. a medicated, syruplike fluid, usually flavored and nonnarcotic or mildly narcotic, for relieving coughs or soothing irritated throats.

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Etymology

Origin of cough syrup

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Between December 2019 and January 2020, at least 12 children under five died in Jammu in Indian-administered Kashmir allegedly from cough syrup, with activists suggesting the number of casualties might have been higher.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2025

Chris Robinson, the actor who played Dr. Rick Webber on “General Hospital” and also introduced America to a classic turn of phrase in a commercial for cough syrup, has died of heart failure.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2025

Strain and use the liquid as a cough syrup.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 3, 2024

An old campaign slogan for cough syrup, "It tastes awful. And it works," seemed to imply that any sweet content might have diminished the medicinal effect.

From Science Daily • Oct. 25, 2023

“I’ll give you a cough syrup, but she needs antibiotics and I’m afraid we’ve run out,” he said, staring at her again, in that odd way that locked his eyes with hers.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie