hiccup

noun

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hic·cup | \ ˈhi-(ˌ)kəp

variants: or less commonly hiccough

Definition of hiccup

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a spasmodic inhalation with closure of the glottis accompanied by a peculiar sound

2 : an attack of hiccuping —usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction

3a : a slight irregularity, error, or malfunction a few hiccups in the computer system

b : a usually minor and short-lived interruption or disruption, or change a hiccup in the stock market

hiccup

verb

variants: or less commonly hiccough

hiccuped also hiccupped; hiccuping also hiccupping

Definition of hiccup (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

: to make a hiccup also : to be affected with hiccups

Other Words from hiccup Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about hiccup

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Examples of hiccup in a Sentence

Noun Our computer problems were caused by a hiccup in the power supply. The stock market has continued to rise, except for a slight hiccup earlier this month.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Such hiccups can happen with technically challenging productions, and the first performance also included an apparent prop malfunction when a piece of Cosmo’s piano stool snapped off. — Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, "Olney Theatre Center’s ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ pours on the showmanship," 20 Nov. 2019 Outside of a hiccup against Lutheran, the Rams have carried over the momentum from last year’s postseason trip. — Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, "8 Colorado prep football games to watch in Week 7," 9 Oct. 2019 There was no such hiccup on the finish line in the eastern city of Nancy, and Viviani was clearly the best. — Samuel Petrequin, BostonGlobe.com, "Elia Viviani edges the competition to win Stage 4," 9 July 2019 There was no such hiccup on the finish line in the eastern city of Nancy, and Viviani was clearly the best. — baltimoresun.com, "Tour de France: Viviani storms bunch sprint to win Stage 4," 9 July 2019 The tardiness is the latest hiccup for the Cowboys’ top 2019 draft pick—58th overall in the second round—who has struggled to stay on the field consistently. — Jori Epstein, USA TODAY, "Cowboys DT Antwaun Woods 'pissed' that Jason Garrett sent him home for tardiness," 31 Oct. 2019 There’s a chance those 18 days could be a mere hiccup between the former and new district attorneys. — Heather Knight, SFChronicle.com, "Mayor’s DA. appointment grants her friend a gift, but will it benefit rival?," 8 Oct. 2019 Cultural differences have caused a few hiccups along the way. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Empty Nester Loons Adopt a Mallard Chick in Northern Wisconsin," 27 July 2019 After those early hiccups, however, the Jaguars clamped down on both teams for the remainder of the game. — Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, "Jaguar buzz: South Alabama hosts Memphis looking for 2nd straight win," 13 Sep. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The defense hiccupped on L.A.’s first drive, with rookie end Joey Bosa looking confused and exiting to get sideline instruction and the Rams going 56 yards on seven runs for a 7-0 lead. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: The Niners are back: Still unbeaten after D dominates Rams," 13 Oct. 2019 A few years after its discovery, this object was observed to hiccup again … and again, every few weeks or so. — Seth Shostak, NBC News, "Fast radio bursts from space have baffled scientists for years. But an explanation may come soon.," 3 Sep. 2019 Tifany, ran up to her mother and began to hiccup as her eyes overflowed with tears. — Alice Driver, Longreads, "Oh, Girl!," 20 June 2019 San Diego County’s economy hiccuped in April after 18 months of growth, said a study from the University of San Diego released Thursday. — Phillip Molnar, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Report: San Diego economy slowed in April after 18 months of growth," 1 June 2018 Even a good smartphone with a strong network can stream movie and TV series and never hiccup. — Kim Komando, Fox News, "Amazon porch pirates, Facebook defenses, expediting videos and more: Tech Q&A," 26 May 2018 This is all presuming Google will work out any performance hiccups the app may be having at launch on iOS. — Jeff Dunn, Ars Technica, "The revamped Google News app is now available on iPhones and iPads," 16 May 2018 The offense hiccupped behind a very young cast, but that was to be expected. — Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY, "College football's last-placed teams headed for better things in 2018 season," 3 Apr. 2018 Markowitz said the project is going smoothly, but probably won't be hiccup free. — Jennifer Larino, NOLA.com, "See inside the planned New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute on Howard Avenue," 7 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hiccup.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

27 Nov 2019

Cite this Entry

“Hiccup.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hiccough. Accessed 5 December 2019.

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More Definitions for hiccup

hiccup

noun

English Language Learners Definition of hiccup

: a sound in your throat that is caused by a sudden, uncontrolled movement of muscles in your chest after you have eaten or drunk too much or too quickly

: a condition in which you make hiccups repeatedly

informal : a small problem, change, or delay

See the full definition for hiccup in the English Language Learners Dictionary

hiccup

noun

hic·cup | \ ˈhi-ˌkəp

Kids Definition of hiccup

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a gulping sound caused by sudden movements of muscles active in breathing

hiccup

verb

hiccuped also hiccupped; hiccuping also hiccupping

Kids Definition of hiccup (Entry 2 of 2)

: to make a gulping sound caused by sudden movements of muscles active in breathing

hiccup

noun

hic·cup

variants: also hiccough \ ˈhik-(ˌ)əp

Medical Definition of hiccup

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a spasmodic inhalation with closure of the glottis accompanied by a peculiar sound

2 : an attack of hiccuping —usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction severe hiccups is sometimes seen after operation — Lancet intractable hiccup…may be successfully treated — Journal of the American Medical Association

hiccup

intransitive verb

variants: also hiccough

hiccuped also hiccupped or hiccoughed; hiccuping also hiccupping or hiccoughing

Medical Definition of hiccup (Entry 2 of 2)

: to make a hiccup also : to be affected with hiccups

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