cough
verb (used without object)
to expel air from the lungs suddenly with a harsh noise, often involuntarily.
coughed
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past participleof cough.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof cough.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
coughverb (used without object)to expel air from the lungs suddenly with a harsh noise, often involuntarily.
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.
Around 20,000 years ago, a cave was home to generations of owls that regularly coughed up pellets containing the bones of their prey.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 5, 2026
Even after he coughed up his lead in the third set, he attempted to spend some time recovering by tanking the fourth.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026
I loved it when someone coughed or a phone rang.
From Slate ● Apr. 12, 2026
Italy were well in the match but three times coughed up the ball within sight of the tryline to let France off.
From Barron's ● Feb. 22, 2026
Mr. Poe coughed several times into his handkerchief before continuing.
From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket
