Definitions

1. noun

the sound made by expelling air from the lungs, typically to clear the airways when the lungs or throat are irritated

“She covered her mouth with her hand to stifle her cough.”

2. verb

to make a coughing sound, especially repeatedly or in an attempt to clear the airways

“The patient coughed up blood after the medical procedure.”

3. verb (transitive)

to cause (something) to be coughed up

“The doctor asked the patient to cough up the mucus.”