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

With free meals, accommodation and no bills to pay, it sticks in the throats of some.

From BBC

"We ask parents and guardians to look out for symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, fever or difficulty breathing," James Adamson from Public Health Wales said.

From BBC

Weeks later the chest still pounds, the throat still thickens, the mind still has not completely grasped.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s a master of the danceable groove that puts a lump in your throat, and his music is both expansive and down-to-earth.

From The Wall Street Journal

Flu and certain other diseases that cause colds and sore throats spread more easily in the winter months.

From BBC

Related Words

• esophagus
• larynx