cough

B2
Pronunciation
/kɑf/
/kɒf/
/kɔf/
Noun
3 definition(s)
1 Definition

A sudden, usually noisy expulsion of air from the lungs, often involuntary.

Example Sentences
  • Behind me, I heard a distinct, dry cough.
2 Definition

A condition that causes one to cough; a tendency to cough.

Example Sentences
  • Sorry, I can't come to work today – I've got a nasty cough.
3 Definition

Used to focus attention on a following utterance, often a euphemism or an attribution of blame

Example Sentences
  • He was – cough – indisposed.
Verb
3 definition(s)
1 Definition

To push air from the lungs in a quick, noisy explosion.

Example Sentences
  • I breathed in a lungful of smoke by mistake, and started to cough.
2 Definition

(sometimes followed by "up") To force something out of the throat or lungs by coughing.

Example Sentences
  • Sometimes she coughed (up) blood.
3 Definition

To make a noise like a cough.

Example Sentences
  • The engine coughed and sputtered.