cough
verb (used without object)
to expel air from the lungs suddenly with a harsh noise, often involuntarily.
has been coughing
-
present perfect progressiveof cough (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
He worries about his 7-year-old brother Ezmat, who has been coughing lately when they go out scavenging.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 9, 2019
“Baby has been coughing for some days now,” Olanna said loudly.
From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
“She has been coughing this morning, and the wind is cold,” she began, when she was interrupted by an angry burst of tears from Philippa.
From Black, White and Gray A Story of Three Homes by Robert Barnes
I know the colt has been coughing lately, but your man Raffle is very sanguine and knows what he is talking about.
From Hard Pressed by Fred M. (Fred Merrick) White
He has been coughing five or six years, and is very thin and weak.
From The Bontoc Igorot by Albert Ernest Jenks
