B1verbhealth
US/kɑːf/
UK/kɒf/
to push air out of your throat suddenly with a loud noise, often because you are ill
In context
The dust on the building site made everyone cough.
He has been coughing all night, so I think he should see a doctor.
Please cover your mouth when you cough on the bus.
Words that go with cough
verb + adverb
- cough loudlyHe coughed loudly to get the waiter's attention.
- cough upI had to cough up two million dong to fix my bike.
- cough violentlyThe smoke made the old man cough violently.
verb + preposition
- cough intoCough into your elbow, not into your hand.
verb + noun
- cough up bloodIf you cough up blood, see a doctor at once.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I am coughing since yesterday.Correct: I have been coughing since yesterday.