noun

windpipe

WIHND-pyp

Windpipe (noun) means the tube that carries air from the throat to the lungs; the trachea. Example: “A piece of food became lodged in his windpipe.”

noun

The tube that carries air from the throat to the lungs; the trachea.

"A piece of food became lodged in his windpipe."

How to Use Windpipe

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe everyday word for the trachea, the tube air travels through to reach the lungs.

Common mistake

Don't confuse the windpipe (for air, to the lungs) with the esophagus (for food, to the stomach).

Easily confused with

esophagus

Word Forms

windpipes plural

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Fill the Gap

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A piece of food became lodged in his _____.

Etymology

A transparent compound of wind (air) + pipe.

Rhymes for windpipe

pipe wipe ripe gripe stipe snipe swipe tripe recipe stripe Felipe bagpipe

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “windpipe” mean?

The word “windpipe” means the tube that carries air from the throat to the lungs; the trachea. In plain terms, the everyday word for the trachea, the tube air travels through to reach the lungs.

How do you pronounce “windpipe”?

“Windpipe” is pronounced WIHND-pyp (/ˈwɪndpaɪp/ in IPA).

How do you use “windpipe” in a sentence?

Here is “windpipe” used in a sentence: “A piece of food became lodged in his windpipe.”

What part of speech is “windpipe”?

“Windpipe” is a noun.