hiccup

or hic-cough

[ hik-uhp, -uhp ]

noun

1. a quick, involuntary inhalation that follows a spasm of the diaphragm and is suddenly checked by closure of the glottis, producing a short, relatively sharp sound.
2. Usually hiccups. the condition of having such spasms:

   She got the hiccups just as she began to speak.

3. Informal. a minor difficulty, interruption, setback, etc.:

   a hiccup in the stock market.

verb (used without object)

, hic·cuped or hic·cupped, hic·cup·ing or hic·cup·ping.

1. to make the sound of a hiccup:

   The motor hiccuped as it started.

2. to have the hiccups.
3. Informal. to experience a temporary decline, setback, interruption, etc.:

   There was general alarm when the economy hiccuped.

hiccup

/ ˈhɪkʌp /

noun

1. a spasm of the diaphragm producing a sudden breathing in followed by a closing of the glottis, resulting in a sharp sound Technical namesingultus
2. the state or condition of having such spasms
3. informal.
   a minor difficulty or problem

verb

1. intr to make a hiccup or hiccups
2. tr to utter with a hiccup or hiccups

Word History and Origins

Origin of hiccup¹

1570–80; alteration of hocket, hickock, equivalent to hic + -ock; akin to Low German hick hiccup; hocket

Word History and Origins

Origin of hiccup¹

C16: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

As Stracke describes it, their friendship is genuine, with the tenderness and hiccups of any dynamic.

From Los Angeles Times

California registrars contacted by The Times said that from their perspective, the November election was proceeding without major hiccups.

From Los Angeles Times

While the Bruins’ defense thrived in the first half, the offense faced early hiccups.

From Los Angeles Times

It's worth noting that such hiccups are part of SpaceX's plan to speed up development by launching systems they know are not perfect and learning from the faults.

From BBC

If it doesn't leave, it will "just be another hiccup, I think, in four months of hiccups", Monica said, adding that she was "confident we'll sail today".

From BBC