Need another word for Cough? Use these synonyms of Cough from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
hacking
wheezing
choking
gasping
spluttering
rasping
croaking
rattling
gurgling
snorting
snuffling
wheezing
whooping
hiccuping
sobbing
gasping
panting
puffing
blowing
exhaling
inhaling
breathing
rasping
clearing
throat
hacking
convulsing
spasming
convulsing
shuddering
quivering
trembling
shivering
Meaning of Cough
The primary meaning of the word "Cough" is to expel air from the lungs, typically to clear the air passages.
Definitions
- A sudden, forceful expulsion of air from the lungs, typically to clear the air passages
- A common symptom of a cold, flu, or other respiratory infection
- To make a sudden, explosive sound, typically to attract attention or express disgust
Etymology of Cough
The word "Cough" has its roots in Old English "cōh" and Old Norse "kōka", both of which imitate the sound of the action
The word has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the act of expelling air from the lungs
Historically, the word "Cough" was also used to describe a range of respiratory ailments, including tuberculosis and pneumonia
Example Uses
- The patient's cough was so severe that it kept her awake all night
- The doctor told him to cough up phlegm to clear his air passages
- The audience erupted into a collective cough, covering their mouths in disgust