cough
verb (used without object)
to expel air from the lungs suddenly with a harsh noise, often involuntarily.
had coughed
-
past perfectof cough.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Battered, bruised and well beaten, Smith had coughed up a horrendous blooper for Sale's sixth try, failing to gather a routine backfield ball to allow a chasing Raffi Quirke to dot down.
From BBC ● Dec. 29, 2025
All that, however, would be washed away with that loose ball in the end zone, the second fumble Illinois had coughed up that close to the end zone.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2025
The woman who had coughed was close enough to hear, and she mumbled a few choice words beneath her yellow mask.
From New York Times ● Apr. 15, 2020
Bell could not recall where B and Salmond were standing, but said he had coughed or cleared his throat before entering the room.
From The Guardian ● Mar. 19, 2020
The Alacrans treated him like something Furball had coughed up on the carpet.
From "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer
