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verb

throb

throb

Throb (verb) means to beat or pulse strongly and repeatedly, often with pain. Example: “Her ankle throbbed after she twisted it.”

verb
1
To beat or pulse strongly and repeatedly, often with pain.
"Her ankle throbbed after she twisted it."
"The bass from the speakers made the floor throb."
noun
1
A strong, repeated beating or pulsing sensation.
"He felt a dull throb in his temple."

How to Use Throb

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA strong, rhythmic pulsing, often used for pain or loud bass sound.

Common pairings
a throbbing headache her heart throbbed

Word Forms

throbbed past tense, throbs plural, throbs singular

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The bass from the speakers made the floor _____.

Etymology

From Middle English throbben, likely imitative of the sound or feel of a pulse.

Origin: Middle English

Related Words

Rhymes for throb

rob
See all rhymes for throb →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “throb” mean?

The word “throb” means to beat or pulse strongly and repeatedly, often with pain. In plain terms, a strong, rhythmic pulsing, often used for pain or loud bass sound.

How do you pronounce “throb”?

“Throb” is pronounced throb (/θɹɑb/ in IPA).

How do you use “throb” in a sentence?

Here is “throb” used in a sentence: “Her ankle throbbed after she twisted it.”

What part of speech is “throb”?

Depending on how it is used, “throb” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “throb” come from?

The word “throb” comes from Middle English. From Middle English throbben, likely imitative of the sound or feel of a pulse.

How many meanings does “throb” have?

“Throb” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to beat or pulse strongly and repeatedly, often with pain.

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