Clearing one's throat; a light cough used to clear the throat or attract attention (can be used as a noun or a suru-verb).
発言する前に軽く咳払いをしてから話し始めた。
He cleared his throat lightly before he started speaking.
会議中に突然の咳払いがあって、全員の注意がそちらに向いた。
A sudden throat clearing in the meeting drew everyone's attention.
寒くて喉が痛いときは、無理に咳払いを繰り返さないようにしよう。
When your throat hurts from the cold, try not to clear your throat repeatedly.
先生が注意を促すために咳払いを一つした。
The teacher cleared his throat once to get everyone's attention.