cough
verb (used without object)
to expel air from the lungs suddenly with a harsh noise, often involuntarily.
has coughed
-
present perfectof cough (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Measles is a highly contagious disease which is spread by coughs and sneezes or by touching things that someone with measles has coughed or sneezed on.
From BBC ● Feb. 15, 2026
Kikuchi has coughed up a few too many long-balls this season.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 3, 2019
Highly contagious, the measles virus can live in the air or on a surface where an infected person has coughed or sneezed for up to two hours, infecting up to 14 others.
From The Guardian ● Mar. 14, 2019
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus can survive for up to two hours in a room where an infected person has coughed or sneezed.
From Washington Times ● Feb. 13, 2019
My poor husband has coughed during the whole morning, as though the betrothal had gone down the wrong side of his throat!
From Withered Leaves. Vol. II. (of III) A Novel by Rudolf von Gottschall
