Cough/kɔːf/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Health Indicator A 'cough' often suggests illness, used to show concern or sympathy. I hope your cough gets better soon. Pro Tip 2/3Describing Coughs 'Cough' can be qualified for specifics, like 'dry' for no mucus or 'wet' for lots of it. The dry cough has been bothering her all night. Pro Tip 3/3Disruption A 'cough' can interrupt a quiet environment, often seen as polite to cover mouths. His loud cough disturbed the silence in the library.