noun
Uncommon
choking
CHOH-kihng
Choking (noun) means the condition of having the airway blocked, making breathing difficult or impossible. Example: “The instructor taught the class how to respond to choking using the Heimlich manoeuvre.”
noun
1
The condition of having the airway blocked, making breathing difficult or impossible.
"The instructor taught the class how to respond to choking using the Heimlich manoeuvre."
How to use choking
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act or state of being unable to breathe due to a blocked airway.
Common pairings
choking hazard
choking incident
first aid for choking
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like choking.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- chokings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The instructor taught the class how to respond to _____ using the Heimlich manoeuvre.
Etymology
Formed from choke plus the -ing ending.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for choking
See all rhymes for choking →Frequently asked questions
What does “choking” mean?
The word “choking” means the condition of having the airway blocked, making breathing difficult or impossible. In plain terms, the act or state of being unable to breathe due to a blocked airway.
How do you pronounce “choking”?
“Choking” is pronounced CHOH-kihng (/ˈt͡ʃoʊkɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “choking” in a sentence?
Here is “choking” used in a sentence: “The instructor taught the class how to respond to choking using the Heimlich manoeuvre.”
What part of speech is “choking”?
“Choking” is a noun.
Is “choking” a common word?
“Choking” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between choking and coughing?
Choking occurs when the airway becomes blocked, making breathing difficult or impossible, while coughing is often the body's reflex attempt to clear an obstruction or irritant from the airway. A cough that successfully clears the blockage means the person isn't fully choking.
What commonly causes choking?
Choking is typically caused by food, small objects, or liquid becoming lodged in the airway and blocking normal breathing. It can happen suddenly and requires prompt action to clear the obstruction.
Is "choking" ever used to describe something other than a blocked airway?
Yes, beyond its literal meaning, "choking" is used informally to describe someone failing under pressure, such as an athlete "choking" in a crucial moment. This figurative use draws on the idea of being overwhelmed and unable to perform.
