sore throat

noun

: pain in the throat due to inflammation of the fauces and pharynx

Examples of sore throat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Witte said patients were experiencing respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and itchy eyes. John Raby, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026 Acid reflux, which is when stomach acid gets into the esophagus, causes symptoms like a sore throat and trouble swallowing, Cleveland Clinic says. Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026 Take zinc at the onset of a cold, ideally within 24 hours of developing symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, or sore throat. Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2026 What to know about symptoms Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and congestion. Sandra Temko, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sore throat

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sore throat was in 1629

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sore throat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sore%20throat. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

sore throat

noun
: a throat that is painful because of inflammation

Medical Definition

sore throat

noun
: painful throat due to inflammation of the fauces and pharynx

More from Merriam-Webster on sore throat

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster