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

Michigan's health department has seen a tenfold increase in whooping cough reports so far this year, compared with the state's annual average from 2020-2023. —Joe Guillen, Axios, 27 Nov. 2024

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. —Aaron Valdez, The Enquirer, 30 Oct. 2024

In addition to measles, those vaccines protect against other contagious diseases such as whooping cough and chickenpox. —Sarah Volpenhein, Journal Sentinel, 11 Oct. 2024

How to prevent whooping cough: The best protection for infants against whooping cough is to be vaccinated, said Goodsitt. —Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 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