throat

American  

[throht] / θroʊt /

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

1. the passage from the mouth to the stomach or to the lungs, including the pharynx, esophagus, larynx, and trachea.

2. some analogous or similar narrowed part or passage.

3. the front of the neck below the chin and above the collarbone.

4. the narrow opening between a fireplace and its flue or smoke chamber, often closed by a damper.

5. Nautical, Machinery. swallow.

6. Nautical.

   1. Also called nock.  the forward upper corner of a quadrilateral fore-and-aft sail.

   2. jaw.

7. the forward edge of the opening in the vamp of a shoe.

8. Automotive. barrel.

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verb (used with object)

1. to make a throat in; provide with a throat.

2. to utter or express from or as from the throat; utter throatily.

idioms

1. cut one's own throat, to bring about one's own ruin.

   He cut his own throat by being nasty to the boss.

2. stick in one's throat, to be difficult of expression; cause to hesitate.

   The words of sympathy stuck in her throat.

3. jump down someone's throat, to disagree with, criticize, or scold overhastily.

   Wait and let me finish before you jump down my throat.

4. ram / force something down someone's throat, to force someone to agree to or accept (something).

5. lump in one's throat, a tight or uncomfortable feeling in the throat, as a reaction to an emotion.

   The sight of the infant brought a lump to her throat.

throat British  

/ θrəʊt /

noun

1. 1. that part of the alimentary and respiratory tracts extending from the back of the mouth (nasopharynx) to just below the larynx

   2. the front part of the neck

2. something resembling a throat, esp in shape or function

   the throat of a chimney

3. botany the gaping part of a tubular corolla or perianth

4. informal a sore throat

5. to bring about one's own ruin

6. to have compete control over (a person or thing)

7. See jump

8. to insist that someone listen to or accept (something)

   he rammed his own opinions down my throat

9. informal to be difficult, or against one's conscience, for one to accept, utter, or believe

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throat More Idioms  

1. see at each other's throats; cut someone's throat; frog in one's throat; jump down someone's throat; lump in one's throat; ram (shove) down someone's throat; stick in one's craw (throat).

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Etymology

Origin of throat

before 900; Middle English throte, Old English throte, throta, throtu; akin to Old High German drozza throat, Old Norse throti swelling. See throttle

Example Sentences

Symptoms in humans mimic a severe flu: high fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and, at times, conjunctivitis.

From BBC

Chris and Matt, who have been at each other’s throats, will be shipping out together, forced to reconcile as newfound family members.

From Los Angeles Times

And I had this cardigan on, which was full of mohair, so it was in my throat, in my nose, in my eyes, and it started to affect my voice.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bruccoleri says Austen's dry, funny writing provides sharp societal commentary without shoving its message "down your throat".

From BBC

In sweeps Flora Poste, a distant cousin who surveys the dismal scene “with her fur jacket drawn close round her throat against the chill air.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• esophagus
• larynx