whooping cough

noun

whoop·​ing cough ˈhü-piŋ- 

ˈhu̇-

: an infectious respiratory disease especially of children caused by a bacterium (Bordetella pertussis) and marked by a convulsive spasmodic cough sometimes followed by a crowing intake of breath

called also pertussis

Examples of whooping cough in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Typical early symptoms of whooping cough include: Runny nose. —Aaron Valdez, The Enquirer, 30 Oct. 2024

For teens and adults, whooping cough can lead to complications such as pneumonia. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024

Doctors typically divide whooping cough into at least three stages, which start with an initial onset of symptoms similar to the common cold, like cough and runny nose. —Alexander Tin, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2024

Ken Gordon, a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Health, acknowledged the difficulties Springfield’s health systems have faced and said the department is monitoring to avert potential outbreaks of measles, whooping cough, and even polio. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

whooping cough

noun

: a disease especially of children that is caused by a bacterium and is marked by severe attacks of coughing often followed by a high-pitched gasping intake of breath

called also pertussis

Medical Definition

whooping cough

noun

: an infectious disease especially of children caused by a bacterium of the genus Bordetella (B. pertussis) and marked by a convulsive spasmodic cough sometimes followed by a crowing intake of breath

called also pertussis