English · Body & Health
cough
/kɒf/
[/kɒf/]
push air out of the throat noisily
Beginnerverb
Definition
To force air out of the throat with a sudden sharp sound, often when ill or when something irritates the throat. It can also be a noun.
Example
He began to cough because of the smoke.
He began to cough because of the smoke.
Etymology
From Middle English 'coughen', of imitative origin echoing the sound.
How & Where It’s Used
Common when describing illness; 'a cough' is also a symptom noun.