n.1. a. A spasm of the diaphragm resulting in a rapid, involuntary inhalation that is stopped by the sudden closure of the glottis and accompanied by a sharp, distinctive sound.
b. hiccups also hiccoughs An attack of these spasms. Often used with the.
2. The sound made by such a spasm or a sound resembling it: "the urgent hiccup of a police siren" (John Updike).
3. A usually minor setback, impediment, or difficulty; a hitch: "As long as the Fed remains fearful to act lest it be blamed for any economic hiccup, market uncertainty will continue" (Kevin Brady).