1. to make something come out of your throat or lungs when you cough

Doctors were worried when she started to cough up blood.

2. cough (something) up (informal)

to produce money or information unwillingly; to give money, esp. when yo do not really want to or when a large amount is involved

I've just had to cough up $40 for a parking fine.

A plan for how the money should be spent was presente, in the hope of persuading donours to cough up.

3. to force liquid out of your lungs

She coughed up a lot of phlegm.