hiccup

1 of 2

noun

hic·​cup ˈhi-(ˌ)kəp 

variants or less commonly hiccough

1

: a spasmodic inhalation with closure of the glottis accompanied by a peculiar sound

2

: an attack of hiccuping

—usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction

3

a

: a slight irregularity, error, or malfunction

a few hiccups in the computer system

b

: a usually minor and short-lived interruption or disruption, or change

a hiccup in the stock market

hiccup

2 of 2

verb

variants or less commonly hiccough

hiccuped also hiccupped; hiccuping also hiccupping

intransitive verb

: to make a hiccup

also : to be affected with hiccups

Synonyms

Noun

• discontinuity
• gap
• hiatus
• interim
• interlude
• intermission
• interregnum
• interruption
• interstice
• interval
• parenthesis

Examples of hiccup in a Sentence

Noun

Our computer problems were caused by a hiccup in the power supply.

The stock market has continued to rise, except for a slight hiccup earlier this month.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Matt Wood as John Belushi John Belushi, played by Matt Wood, seemed to be a difficult transformation for both Thompson and Sawyer, thanks to some hiccups with his facial hair and wig. —Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 14 Oct. 2024

But even Monday’s departure was hit with yet another technical hiccup. —Jason Ma, Fortune Europe, 1 Oct. 2024

Verb

Sometimes the music seems to hiccup into silence, as if nitrogen bubbles flowed through its bloodstream. —Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 17 Oct. 2023

Some babies hiccup frequently, even multiple times a day. —Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 10 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

imitative

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1580, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hiccup

1 of 2 noun

hic·​cup

variants also hiccough

ˈhik-(ˌ)əp 

: a sudden drawing in of breath that is followed and stopped by sudden closure of the glottis and accompanied by a gulping sound

hiccup

2 of 2 verb

variants also hiccough

hiccuped also hiccupped; hiccuping also hiccupping

: to make a hiccup or be affected with hiccups

Medical Definition

hiccup

1 of 2 noun

hic·​cup

variants also hiccough

ˈhik-(ˌ)əp 

1

: a spasmodic inhalation with closure of the glottis accompanied by a peculiar sound

2

: an attack of hiccuping

—usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction

severe hiccups is sometimes seen after operation

—Lancet

intractable hiccup … may be successfully treated

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

hiccup

2 of 2 intransitive verb

variants also hiccough

hiccuped also hiccupped or hiccoughed; hiccuping also hiccupping or hiccoughing

: to make a hiccup

also : to be affected with hiccups

hiccuper noun

also hiccougher