tonsil

noun

ton·​sil ˈtän(t)-səl 

1

: either of a pair of prominent masses of lymphoid tissue that lie one on each side of the throat between two folds of soft tissue that bound the fauces

2

: any of various masses of lymphoid tissue (such as the adenoids) that are similar to tonsils

tonsillar

ˈtän(t)-s(ə-)lər 

adjective

Examples of tonsil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The youngest victim, identified as Teddy, survived two cardiac arrests while undergoing a routine tonsil operation in 2016, the outlet stated. —Becca Longmire, People.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Pain or pressure in the ear may occur with infections that sometimes accompany tonsil stones. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 4 Sep. 2025

If your throat, tonsils, esophagus, stomach, or intestines are impaled by the bristle, your gastrointestinal contents can leak out, potentially leading to an infection in the neck, chest, or abdomen. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2025

That led to the early detection of Cowboys' communications Vice President Tad Carper's cancer in the tonsils. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin tonsillae, plural, tonsils

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tonsil

• consul
• proconsul

Kids Definition

tonsil

noun

ton·​sil ˈtän(t)-səl 

: either of a pair of oval-shaped masses of spongy tissue that lie one on each side of the throat at the back of the mouth

Medical Definition

tonsil

noun

ton·​sil ˈtän(t)-səl 

1

a

: either of a pair of prominent masses of lymphoid tissue that lie one on each side of the throat between the anterior and posterior pillars of the fauces and are composed of lymph follicles grouped around one or more deep crypts and except for the exposed surface which is covered only by epithelium are surrounded by diffuse lymphoid tissue in a fibrous capsule

called also palatine tonsil

b

: pharyngeal tonsil

c

: lingual tonsil

2

: a rounded prominence situated medially on the lower surface of each lateral hemisphere of the cerebellum