throat

[ throht ]

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 ¹( def 13 ).
6. Nautical.
   1. Also called nock. the forward upper corner of a quadrilateral fore-and-aft sail.
   2. jaw ¹( def 5 ).
7. the forward edge of the opening in the vamp of a shoe.
8. Automotive. barrel ( def 14 ).

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.

throat

/ 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. cut one's throat or cut one's own throat
   to bring about one's own ruin
6. have by the throat
   to have compete control over (a person or thing)
7. jump down someone's throat
   See jump
8. ram something down someone's throat or force something down someone's throat
   to insist that someone listen to or accept (something)

   he rammed his own opinions down my throat

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of throat¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of throat¹

Old English throtu; related to Old High German drozza throat, Old Norse throti swelling

Idioms and Phrases

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

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

3. 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.

4. ram / force something down someone's throat, Informal. to force someone to agree to or accept (something).
5. stick in one's throat, to be difficult of expression; cause to hesitate:

   The words of sympathy stuck in her throat.

More idioms and phrases containing throat

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) .

Example Sentences

As a girl, Saada Arbane had her throat cut in an Islamist militant attack that wiped out most of her family, and now communicates through a speaking tube.

From BBC

Some chicken soup and about five hours of sleep did wonders for his sore throat.

From Los Angeles Times

Kelly Reilly loved her dog "like a baby" before it caused severe injuries to her head and throat on July 22 in her maisonette in Wexford Road, Wood End, Coventry Coroner's Court heard.

From BBC

But at the end of each day, people who have been at each other’s throats during debates, come together in worship.

From BBC

Your throat might start to feel itchy and sore.

From BBC

Related Words

• esophagus
• larynx