throat

play

noun \ ˈthrōt \

Definition of throat

1 a (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

See throat defined for English-language learners

See throat defined for kids

Examples of throat in a Sentence

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 of throat from the Web

Paus could throw a football 60 yards on the move or run it down your throat.

— pat disabato, Daily Southtown, "Pat Disabato picks Southland's 10 greatest high school quarterbacks," 18 Aug. 2017
That respect has only grown this year, while Snyder was being treated for throat cancer.

— dave skretta, The Seattle Times, "K-State’s Bill Snyder back on the sidelines for another year," 13 Aug. 2017
And when your tears have drowned you, the valonqar shall wrap his hands about your pale white throat and choke the life from you.

— joanna robinson, HWD, "Game of Thrones: Why Cersei’s Latest News Could Prove Her Downfall," 13 Aug. 2017
His sister Zainabu and a friend had been found dead, stabbed and their throats slit, in Burundi's capital, Bujumbura.

— Bloomberg.com, "Burundi's Exiles Call World's Attention to Deadly Crisis," 26 July 2017
And, although Jenkins died in custody, no explanation ever emerged for how paper became lodged in his throat on an October Sunday in 2015.

— steve mills, chicagotribune.com, "How did Terrance Jenkins die? Guards, prisoners disagree on details in inmate's death," 17 July 2017
They’re both murdered that night, however, their throats slashed by black men.

— irene wanner, The Seattle Times, "2 lives intersect in aftermath of deadly apartheid protest," 16 July 2017
Participants dress in a standard uniform, creating the visual effect of a strict cult or a casual army: white shirt, white pants, red sash tied around the hips and red handkerchief at the throat.

— ella alexander, Longreads, "Who I Became at the Running of the Bulls," 12 July 2017
These gases can have adverse health effects such as eye, nose and throat irritation; headaches; dizziness; and fatigue.

— pat setter, sandiegouniontribune.com, "California's new-home energy goal by 2020 is within reach," 8 July 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of throat

Middle English throte, from Old English; akin to Old High German drozza throat

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

throat

verb

Definition of throat

transitive verb

1 :to utter in the throat :mutter

2 :to sing or enunciate in a throaty voice

Recent Examples of throat from the Web

Beyond the top executive suites of the biggest banks, support for cuts can be even more full-throated.

— tory newmyer, Washington Post, "The Finance 202: Trump speech will bash rigged system. But tax outline would benefit 1 percent.," 30 Aug. 2017
Look for red-throated yellow, rather than white nectarines for cooking and baking.

— jill o'connor, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Stone fruit harvest makes flavor-enhanced desserts," 29 Aug. 2017
But a passionate, full-throated, furious demonstration outside the home office?

— jay willis, GQ, "The Most American Thing You Can Do Today Is Protest Your Senators Voting for Trumpcare," 4 July 2017
Tensions between the Trump Administration and Comey had been escalating already, and Trump’s fury over the F.B.I.’s Russia probe remained full-throated.

— peter elkind, The New Yorker, "James Comey’s Conspicuous Independence," 11 May 2017
Song sparrows, house finches and white-throated sparrows sang.

— bulletin board, Twin Cities, "Sunday Bulletin Board: Name the singer: ‘Plant a seed, plant a seed, bury it, bury it, cover it up, cover it up, let it grow, let it grow, pull it up, pull it up, eat it, eat it.’," 7 May 2017
But those whose habitats are being squeezed have waned, such as the Canada warbler, whose damp forest nesting-grounds are now drying up, and the white-throated sparrow, whose northern breeding-grounds are shrinking.

— National Geographic, "Summer in March? Warming Climate Alters Europe's Seasons," 4 Apr. 2016

First Known Use of throat

circa 1611

THROAT Defined for English Language Learners

throat

play

noun

Definition of throat for English Language Learners

: the tube inside the neck that leads to the stomach and lungs
: the front part of the neck

THROAT Defined for Kids

throat

play

noun \ ˈthrōt \

Definition of throat for Students

1 :the passage through the neck from the mouth to the stomach and lungs

a sore throat

2 :the front part of the neck on the outside

Medical Dictionary

throat

play

noun \ ˈthrōt \

medical Definition of throat

1 :the part of the neck in front of the spinal column

2 :the passage through the throat to the stomach and lungs containing the pharynx and upper part of the esophagus, the larynx, and the trachea

Learn More about throat

See words that rhyme with throat Spanish Central: Translation of throat Nglish: Translation of throat for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of throat for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about throat

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up throat? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

throat

Definition of throat

From the M-W Editors

Examples of throat in a Sentence

Recent Examples of throat from the Web

Origin and Etymology of throat

Other Anatomy Terms

throat

Definition of throat

Recent Examples of throat from the Web

First Known Use of throat

Phrases Related to THROAT

Related Phrases

THROAT Defined for English Language Learners

throat

Definition of throat for English Language Learners

THROAT Defined for Kids

throat

Definition of throat for Students

Medical Dictionary

throat

medical Definition of throat

Learn More about throat

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Let's Talk 'Tea'

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Trending: Ivanka: "An 'Otherwise' Incredible Day"

Words of the Year: 1066