cough
UK: kɒf | US: kɔːf
n. an act or sound of expelling air from the lungs suddenly and noisily
vi. to expel air from the lungs suddenly and noisily, often due to irritation or illness
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The word "cough" originates from Old English cohhian, an onomatopoeic term imitating the sound of coughing. It shares roots with Middle Dutch kochen and German keuchen (to pant or wheeze), reflecting a Germanic tradition of sound-based word formation for bodily actions. Over time, the spelling simplified while retaining its abrupt, guttural phonetic quality, mirroring the action it describes.
She tried to suppress a cough during the quiet lecture.
Persistent coughing may indicate a respiratory infection.
The cold air made him cough uncontrollably.
Cover your mouth when you cough to prevent spreading germs.
The doctor asked if the cough was dry or productive.