cough syrup

noun

: any of various sweet usually medicated liquids used to relieve coughing

Examples of cough syrup in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
New Delhi — The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday issued a health advisory warning against the use and distribution of three cough syrups believed to be responsible for the deaths of several children in India over the last month. Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025 For example, the contaminated cough syrups in The Gambia, Indonesia and Uzbekistan were manufactured in India. Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 10 Oct. 2025 Often found in cough syrups and combination pain medications, this opioid is controlled or outright banned in countries including the UAE, Japan, Greece, and Indonesia. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2025 This medicine, which is used to break down and clear mucus from the respiratory system, is widely available as a cough syrup in Europe. New Atlas, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for cough syrup

Word History

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cough syrup was in 1808

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cough syrup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cough%20syrup. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

cough syrup

noun
: any of various sweet liquids that contain medicine and are used to relieve coughing

Medical Definition

cough syrup

noun
: any of various sweet usually medicated liquids used to relieve coughing
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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