1. past tense of cough; expelled air from the lungs suddenly and noisily, often due to irritation or illness
2. past tense of cough; gave up or produced something reluctantly
Usage: informal; usually with ‘up’

Examples

• She coughed loudly during the movie.
• He coughed all night because of his cold.
• The patient coughed up blood and went to the hospital.
• The engine coughed and sputtered before starting.
• The suspect finally coughed up the truth.
• They coughed up the money they owed.
• The cat coughed up a hairball on the carpet.