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.

---

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

---

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).

---

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

He made the pronouncement in a loud voice, to clearly communicate that he did not want to be here, did not want to have another stupid opportunity shoved down his throat.

From Literature

I broke into a sprint, running so fast that my mouth and throat dried out from the air I was gulping.

From Literature

I feel a thrill of excitement run from my stomach up to my throat.

From Literature

They had been breathing in ash that coated their throats, the particles of dust sucking their mouth dry, just like it did the smaller springs that had fed into the Green River.

From Literature

This approach revealed genetic material from PRV in archived throat swabs.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• esophagus
• larynx