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.
Only one had coughed up—Michigan fans still haven’t digested the fumbled-punt disaster of 2015.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 20, 2026
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
In a previous hearing, the coroner heard how Mrs Medel had cared for one patient that had coughed in the direction of her face and who was later diagnosed with Covid, without a facemask.
From BBC ● Jul. 5, 2023
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
When I had coughed up a portion of the river, I sat up and looked about.
From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood
