sore throat

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. a painful or sensitive condition of the throat exaggerated by swallowing or talking, usually caused by bacteria or viruses; laryngitis; pharyngitis; tonsillitis.

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Etymology

Origin of sore throat

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

Early symptoms resemble those of other, more common diseases: fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache and sore throat.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

My sore throat was gone, but speaking for more than 10 seconds made me lightheaded, as if I were trying to blow up a balloon simply by talking.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

Another, seen with newer variants Stratus and Nimbus that are still around, is a "razor-sharp" sore throat.

From BBC • Dec. 15, 2025

NHS England said patients can get prescription-only medication – traditionally dispensed by GPs – at pharmacies for a range of common conditions, including a sore throat, sinusitis and earache.

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025

I knew that Cristiana would not be out of doors, for she had taken to her bed with a sore throat.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein