noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
clearing one's throat; cough (to clear throat)
A deliberate, often small cough used to clear the throat, get attention, or signal discomfort. Can be used as a noun or as a suru-verb.
彼は話し始める前に咳払いをした。
He cleared his throat before starting to speak.
部屋に入るとき、
When entering the room, I gave a small cough to let them know I was there.