Definition of Cough
Quick Meaning of Cough
A cough is when you suddenly push air out of your lungs to clear your throat or because you are sick.
Detailed Definition of Cough
A sudden expulsion of air from the lungs and throat, often involuntary, usually to clear the airway.
How to Pronounce Cough
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: One syllable: KAWF. The 'gh' is silent. Rhymes with 'off' or 'soft'.
Watch out: Sometimes pronounced CUFF with short vowel. Correct: KAWF with the 'aw' sound.
Origin and Etymology of Cough
From Old English and imitative origins. The word mimics the sound of coughing.
How to Use Cough in a Sentence
Each example shows “cough” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“He has a bad cough and needs to see a doctor.”
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“Drink water to help with your cough.”
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“A persistent cough can be a sign of respiratory infection.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Cough
Common Synonyms for Cough
Smart Synonyms for Cough — When to Use Each
- hack
- Short, sharp repeated coughing sound
- dry cough
- Cough without mucus or phlegm
- wet cough
- Cough with phlegm or mucus involved
Common Collocations with Cough
These phrases pair with “cough” in everyday English:
- have a cough
- bad cough
- dry cough
- cough medicine
- cough drops
Common Mistakes When Using Cough
Even fluent speakers slip up with “cough”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I'm coughed all night.
- ✓ Correct: I coughed all night.
- Why: Coughed is past tense. Use 'coughed' not 'am coughed'. Cough can be noun or verb.
- ✗ Wrong: He has a cold cough.
- ✓ Correct: He has a dry cough.
- Why: Use 'dry' or 'wet' to describe cough type, not 'cold'. A cold causes a cough.
Words Confused With Cough
- Cough vs Sneeze: Both are sudden airway reactions, but cough clears lungs/throat; sneeze is nasal response to irritants.
- Cough vs Sore throat: Sore throat is pain in the throat. A cough is an involuntary action in response to irritation.
Other Forms of Cough
Frequently Asked Questions About Cough
What is the meaning of "Cough"?
A cough is when you suddenly push air out of your lungs to clear your throat or because you are sick.
How do you pronounce "Cough"?
The IPA is /kɔːf/. One syllable: KAWF. The 'gh' is silent. Rhymes with 'off' or 'soft'.
What part of speech is "Cough"?
"Cough" is a noun at A2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Cough"?
Common synonyms include dry cough, wet cough, hack.
How do you use "Cough" in a sentence?
For example: "He has a bad cough and needs to see a doctor."