croup

¹

[ kroop ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. any condition of the larynx or trachea characterized by a hoarse cough and difficult breathing.

croup

²

[ kroop ]

noun

1. the highest part of the rump of a quadruped, especially a horse.

croup

¹

/ kruːp /

noun

1. a throat condition, occurring usually in children, characterized by a hoarse cough and laboured breathing, resulting from inflammation and partial obstruction of the larynx

croup

²

/ kruːp /

noun

1. the hindquarters of a quadruped, esp a horse

croup

/ kro̅o̅p /

1. An acute infection that affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts, especially the larynx, trachea, and bronchi, and is caused most commonly by viruses of the genus Paramyxovirus. It is characterized by labored breathing and obstruction below the glottis, accompanied by a barking cough.

Derived Forms

• ˈcroupous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of croup¹

First recorded in 1755–65; noun use of croup “to cry hoarsely” (now dialectal), blend of croak and whoop

Origin of croup²

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English croupe, from Middle French, Anglo-French crupe, Old French crope, from Germanic; crop

Word History and Origins

Origin of croup¹

C16 croup to cry hoarsely, probably of imitative origin

Origin of croup²

C13: from Old French croupe; related to German Kruppe

Example Sentences

In just 12 weeks, Elijah had developed tonsillitis, croup, respiratory syncytial virus, pneumonia, and an ear infection.

From BBC

It causes up to 10% of human respiratory infections, mainly in children and immunocompromised people, with symptoms ranging from mild coughs and sniffles to bronchitis and croup.

From Science Daily

If we got bad sore throats, flu, croup or cough, he would make us “hot toddies.”

From Seattle Times

Michaela Stevens has complained about the treatment of her son Archie, who has suffered with croup - a common infection that affects children's airways from birth.

From BBC

One study found that the rate of upper airway infections — such as a type of bronchitis known as croup — among hospitalized coronavirus-infected children nearly tripled during the Omicron era.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• backside