choking

1 of 2

adjective

chok·​ing ˈchō-kiŋ 

1

: producing the feeling of strangulation

a choking cloud of smog

2

: indistinct in utterance

—used especially of a person's voice

a low choking laugh

chokingly

ˈchō-kiŋ-lē 

adverb

choking

2 of 2

present participle of choke entry 1

Examples of choking in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Experts and reporters at the investigative news magazine Mother Jones have found videos showing toddlers swallowing whole grapes (a choking hazard), infants eating honey (which carries a risk of botulism), and children riding unrestrained in the front seat of a moving car. — Dana Suskind, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026

Certain items can be toxic to birds or pose a choking or strangulation hazard. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 2026

In a recent Facebook post, the actor, whose relative Henry Heimlich created the anti-choking procedure, explained the connection between Happy Days and the maneuver. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026

Not every toy is appropriate for all ages as some come with small parts that could be a choking or injury hazard. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for choking

• broking
• cloaking
• coking
• croaking
• joking
• poking
• smoking
• soaking
• stoking
• stroking
• evoking
• invoking