throat
5 synonyms for throat, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The front part of the neck, or the passage inside it leading from the mouth to the lungs and stomach.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use throat
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
sore throat
clear your throat
grab someone by the throat
Etymology
From Old English þrote, going back to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to swell" — likely a reference to the throat's visible movement when swallowing.
Full origin of throat →Frequently asked questions
What does “throat” mean?
The word “throat” means the front part of the neck, or the passage inside it leading from the mouth to the lungs and stomach. In plain terms, the tube-like part of the body between your mouth and chest.
How do you pronounce “throat”?
“Throat” is pronounced THROHT (/ˈθɹoʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “throat” in a sentence?
Here is “throat” used in a sentence: “She had a sore throat and could barely speak.”
What part of speech is “throat”?
“Throat” is a noun.
Where does the word “throat” come from?
The word “throat” comes from Old English. From Old English þrote, going back to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to swell" — likely a reference to the throat's visible movement when swallowing.
Is “throat” a common word?
“Throat” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between the throat and the neck?
The neck is the whole part of the body connecting the head to the shoulders, while the throat is specifically the front part of the neck and the passage inside it. The throat carries food and air from the mouth toward the lungs and stomach, whereas 'neck' names the outer structure as a whole.
What is the difference between the throat and the windpipe?
The throat is the passage at the front of the neck leading from the mouth toward the lungs and stomach. The windpipe, or trachea, is just one tube branching off from it that carries air specifically to the lungs, so the windpipe is part of what the throat leads to.
What are common expressions using 'throat'?
Everyday idioms include 'a lump in your throat' for strong emotion, 'clear your throat', 'a sore throat', and 'at each other's throats' for people who are fighting. 'Jump down someone's throat' means to react to them with sudden anger.
