hiccup
[ˈhɪkəp]
A hiccup is a sudden, short cough that feels like your body is convulsing. It's usually involuntary and can't be controlled.
Hiccups are super common and often happen when we eat or drink too quickly, or get excited or stressed. You might have them after finishing a big meal, or if you're laughing or feeling anxious. People sometimes try to cure their hiccups by holding their breath, drinking water slowly, or getting distracted – but more often than not they just go away on their own!
How common is "hiccup"?
Word hiccup is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions
noun
A spasm of the diaphragm, or the resulting sound.
Example: There was a loud hiccup from the back of the room and the class erupted in laughter.
verb
To produce a hiccup; have the hiccups.
Real examples of "hiccup" in context
