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
The latest government figures show there have been more than 194,000 cases since March from the highly contagious disease, which spreads easily through breathing, coughing or sneezing.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026
And on top of worrying about the start of school, Silva said her family is still suffering from headaches, nausea, sore throats, eye irritation, stomach pain, diarrhea and persistent coughing.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2026
"I felt very ill because I have asthma. I started coughing and I threw up," she told AFP at a gymnasium in the northern Madrid suburb of Alcobendas.
From Barron's ● Jul. 25, 2026
Sandy is shaking each time he cries, whole body moving with every sob, hiccuping and coughing and all.
From "King and the Dragonflies" by Kacen Callender
