throat

1 of 2

noun

ˈthrōt 

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

see also:

at each other's throats lump in one's throat

throat

2 of 2

verb

throated; throating; throats

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

Every Black Dove attends to their duties with all deliberate stabbing, throat-slitting, and shooting speed, except for Reed. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026

Quite the contrast with Carlos, who must stalk some potential trade through the streets at night, and with Sebastián, whose throat goes dry at the mere sight of Rafael’s bare chest. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2026

Verb

Studies have found oil wells can emit carcinogens and are linked to adverse health effects including respiratory issues, headaches, throat irritation and other problems. — Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

High pollution levels can cause breathing problems, and eye or throat irritation especially for vulnerable people. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing throat

• a lump in one's throat
• clear one's throat
• cut one's own throat
• cut-throat razor
• deep throat
• force/ram/shove (something) down someone's throat
• have a frog in one's throat
• jump down someone's throat
• lump in one's throat
• septic sore throat
• sore throat
• strep throat
• throat singer
• throat singing

Rhymes for throat

• bloat
• boat
• choate
• coat
• cote
• dote
• float
• gloat
• goat
• groat
• haute
• moat

Kids Definition

throat

noun

ˈthrōt

1

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

also : the passage through the neck to the stomach and lungs

2

: something (as an end part) that resembles the throat

throated

-əd

adjective

Medical Definition

throat

noun

ˈthrōt 

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