cough
verb (used without object)
to expel air from the lungs suddenly with a harsh noise, often involuntarily.
coughs
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pluralof cough.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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present tense formof cough (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
It had the power to soothe the roughest of sore throats and quiet the phlegmiest of coughs.
From Salon ● Jul. 19, 2026
In an actual courtroom, court reporters record nonverbal cues like gestures and transcribe through distracting courtroom noises like coughs or door slams.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 13, 2026
TB is spread through the air when an infected person speaks, coughs or sings and a nearby person breathes in the germs.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 3, 2026
A strong constitution also helps, faced with the hacking coughs and snotty noses of a particularly bad flu' season.
From BBC ● Dec. 17, 2025
Between coughs, the girls all started talking at once.
From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson
