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

Infants are at the greatest risk of getting whooping cough and having severe complications from it, the CDC says. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2025

Oregon also had the highest number of cases of whooping cough — another respiratory illness for which there is a vaccine — since 1950 last year, according to the Oregon Health Authority. —Kale Williams, Axios, 6 Jan. 2025

Initially, cases of diphtheria (which can suffocate young victims), pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus (often lethal) dropped gradually due to limited vaccine uptake. —Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024

At this time last year, according to CDC data, Wisconsin had reported only 29 whooping cough cases. —Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 13 Dec. 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