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

Some people may have inflamed tonsils (the round masses in the back of the throat), white spots or red streaks in the throat, and red spots on the roof of the mouth.2 Neck stiffness usually involves muscle tension or dull aches in the neck and pain or an inability to make certain movements. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 17 Mar. 2025

John Reardon is opening up about his tonsil cancer diagnosis and recovery. —Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025

Early land vertebrates also evolved lungs, and this transformation freed up the gill structures that fish used for breathing to evolve into various useful – and sometimes problematic – neck structures, such as the voice box, tonsils and the little flap that separates the windpipe and esophagus. —Kent Dunlap, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2025

Men The vaccine has significant benefits for men to prevent oropharyngeal cancer, which is cancer of the throat, tonsils, and back of tongue. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 5 Mar. 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