Throat: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to the front part of the neck inside the body, particularly when talking about swallowing, speaking, or feeling sick.

• My throat is sore, I think I'm getting a cold.
• She cleared her throat before giving the speech.

An older or less common term for the esophagus, often used in literature or historical texts. May sound slightly archaic.

• The knights ate heartily, filling their gullets with food and drink.
• In the tale, the dragon's gullet was described as a dark, cavernous place.

Refers to the trachea, the airway through which air passes from the throat to the lungs. Often used in a medical context but can also be heard in everyday language.

• He choked on a piece of food and it got stuck in his windpipe.
• The doctor checked his windpipe to ensure there was no obstruction.

Used in medical or scientific contexts to describe the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach, primarily involved in the digestive process.

• The doctor explained that food passes through the esophagus to reach the stomach.
• Esophageal cancer can be very serious if not diagnosed early.

The part of the body inside the neck that is used for swallowing, breathing, and speaking.

• She felt a tickle in her throat before she started to cough.
• He had a sore throat and couldn't speak clearly.

The part of the body that connects the head to the shoulders, often referred to in terms of vulnerability, style, or proximity.

• He wore a scarf around his neck to stay warm.
• The doctor examined her neck for signs of swelling.

A part of a piece of clothing that forms a circle around the neck, or a band of leather or other material worn around an animal's neck.

• The dog wore a collar with an ID tag.
• His shirt collar was turned up to protect him from the cold wind.

A narrow valley between hills or mountains, typically with steep rocky walls and a stream running through it. It can also be used figuratively to describe something overwhelming or excessive, often in a negative sense.

• They hiked through the gorge to reach the waterfall.
• She felt her gorge rise at the thought of eating spoiled food.

Used in anatomy and medical contexts to refer to the part of the body inside the neck that includes the pharynx and larynx, or in a more casual context to describe a sore or painful sensation in that area.

• My throat hurts when I swallow.
• The doctor examined my throat to check for infection.

A general term for causing the death of a living being, without specifying the method or reason. The context can be neutral, but it can also have a negative connotation depending on the situation.

• The lion killed its prey swiftly.
• They were trying to figure out who killed the victim.

Used to describe the unlawful and intentional killing of another person. This term has a strongly negative connotation and is often associated with criminal activity.

• He was arrested for the murder of his neighbor.
• The investigation revealed a plan to murder the victim.

Used to describe the act of killing a prominent or important person, usually for political or ideological reasons. This term carries a connotation of secrecy and premeditation.

• The president was assassinated while giving a public speech.
• There were rumors of a plot to assassinate the leader.