cough
verb (used without object)
to expel air from the lungs suddenly with a harsh noise, often involuntarily.
have been coughing
-
present perfect progressiveof cough.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.
Most of her young students are not able to tolerate wearing masks for long stretches, and many have been coughing lately.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 6, 2022
Some have been coughing up phlegm and breathing in a way he described as a “death rattle.”
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 7, 2021
Lisa Peterson, the park’s executive director, told The Associated Press on Monday that eight gorillas at the park are believed to have the virus and several have been coughing.
From Washington Times ● Jan. 12, 2021
I have been coughing all this time, but I hope I shall improve.
From Letters from the Cape by Lady Lucie Duff Gordon
The young fellow who was standing behind his broad back might have been coughing like that for some time--only he had not noticed it; now he felt disgusted at his spitting.
From The Son of His Mother by Clara Viebig
