cough

/kɒf/verb
Early ChildhoodNot in standard dictionaries
1

Sometimes followed by up: to force (something) out of the lungs or throat by pushing air from the lungs through the glottis (causing a short, explosive sound), and out through the mouth.

2

To cause (oneself or something) to be in a certain condition in the manner described in etymology 1 sense 1.1.

3

To express (words, etc.) in the manner described in etymology 1 sense 1.1.

4

To surrender (information); to confess.

5

Chiefly followed by up: to give up or hand over (something); especially, to pay up (money).

6

To push air from the lungs through the glottis (causing a short, explosive sound) and out through the mouth, usually to expel something blocking or irritating the airway.

7

To make a noise like a cough.

8

To surrender information; to confess, to spill the beans.

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Rhymes

Words that share the same ending sound pattern

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing

#slang