throat

noun

\ ˈthrōt

Definition of throat

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a(1) : the part of the neck in front of the spinal column

(2) : the passage through the neck to the stomach and lungs

b(1) : voice

(2) : the seat of the voice

2 : something resembling the throat especially in being an entrance, a passageway, a constriction, or a narrowed part: such as

a : the orifice of a tubular organ especially of a plant

b : the opening in the vamp of a shoe at the instep

c : the part of a tennis racket that connects the head with the shaft

3 : the curved part of an anchor's arm where it joins the shank — see anchor illustration

at each other's throats

: in open and aggressive conflict

throat

verb

throated; throating; throats

Definition of throat (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to utter in the throat : mutter

2 : to sing or enunciate in a throaty voice

Examples of throat in a Sentence

Noun

My throat was dry so I took a sip of water. He held a knife to her throat. His shirt was open at the throat. He grabbed her by the throat.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The bullet went through his throat and grazed one sister on the elbow, the children's mother Dawn Usanga told CNN affiliate KTVI. — Darran Simon, CNN, "St. Louis remembers its young homicide victims in a candlelight vigil," 29 Aug. 2019 With Dickinson constantly breathing down its throat and various playoff contenders taking their best shots, Clear Springs has nevertheless managed to win three consecutive District 24-6A football championships. — Ted Dunnam, Houston Chronicle, "Football preview: Clear Springs bids for fourth straight district title," 16 Aug. 2019 When the cow was captured, Musaed slit its throat in the parking lot. — Abigail Brone, courant.com, "Butcher shop employee who slit runaway cow’s throat behind Bloomfield Home Depot charged with animal cruelty," 2 Aug. 2019 And most recently, a sheriff in rural Georgia was arrested May 29, 2019 for allegedly grabbing a 75-year-old man by his throat. — Linda R. Phillips, The Conversation, "Elder abuse increasing, without increased awareness," 14 June 2019 Something, possibly my heart, was expanding in my throat. — Alejandro Varela, Harper's magazine, "Carlitos in Charge," 16 Sep. 2019 The victim was stabbed 39 in times her face, neck, stomach and skull and her throat was slit in two places, Assistant State’s Attorney Lori Jenkins said during a court appearance Sunday, the Chicago Tribune reports. — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE.com, "Chicago Woman Allegedly Wore 'Scream' Mask While Stabbing Woman in Home Invasion Attack," 16 Sep. 2019 But while the Orioles were at bat in the eighth inning, Palmer put his hand to his throat and feigned choking — perhaps to ward off any evil vibes. — Chris Kaltenbach, baltimoresun.com, "The Orioles’ Jim Palmer pitched a no-hitter 50 years ago, and he wasn’t about to let Reggie Jackson ruin it," 16 Aug. 2019 His lips make one sound, his nose another and his throat another. — Laurel Deppen, The Courier-Journal, "This Louisville-based beatboxer was ranked in the top 5 in the nation," 8 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The decision prompted a full-throated critique from two justices. — S.m. | New York, The Economist, "The justices allow Donald Trump’s asylum restrictions to take effect," 12 Sep. 2019 With Big Red nation loud and full throated, Buffs offensive coordinator Jay Johnson dug deep into his playbook. — Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, "CU Buffs defense flips switch in second half, slows down Huskers in OT win," 7 Sep. 2019 After handing off some of his final realty projects, Francis stepped down at NAICarolantic and launched full-throated into NHL Seattle. — Alex Prewitt, SI.com, "Two Years From Seattle's Inaugural Season, GM Ron Francis Has So Much to Do," 12 Aug. 2019 His head bleeding, his eyes burning, his mouth and throat raw from salt water, the future 41st President of the United States was alone. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Jon Meacham's Eulogy for George H.W. Bush: Read What the President's Biographer Had to Say," 5 Dec. 2018 By the time the final horn sounded and the Penguins’ 2-1 series lead was official and Crosby’s name was announced as the game’s first star, there were barely enough fans left for a weak-throated boo. — Mike Sielski, Philly.com, "Sidney Crosby once again leaves the Flyers and their fans all wet | Mike Sielski," 16 Apr. 2018 Outside analysts say the 51-year-old state senator faces a difficult choice about how full-throated a campaign to wage against the popular, 84-year-old incumbent. — Sarah D. Wire, latimes.com, "De León's challenge in the Senate race: to oppose Feinstein but keep his future intact," 15 June 2018 The dawn chorus was productive, though, providing grasshopper sparrow, scarlet tanager, summer tanager and yellow-throated vireo, to name a few. — Taylor Piephoff, charlotteobserver, "Goal for a Big Day: Count as many bird species as you can find | Charlotte Observer," 14 May 2018 The result is a crowded stage—the choreography resembles a packed aerobics class—and the biggest, richest, most full-throated sound the show's likely ever had. — Deanna Isaacs, Chicago Reader, "Lyric’s Jesus Christ is, indeed, a superstar," 1 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'throat.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.