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

Then the others, perhaps hearing the now-familiar smack, smack, slurp of group tonsil hockey, followed suit. —Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 9 June 2026

Around the same time, Asher had undergone surgery to remove his tonsils. —Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026

The palatine tonsils are the ones seen at the back of the throat. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026

Underwood also noted that the Illini were still figuring some things out after Andrej Stojaković (knee) and Tomislav Ivišić (tonsils) missed significant time in the preseason. —Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026

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