English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
verb

throb

throb
Quiz me More like this

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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like throb.
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
throbs
Third person singular
throbs
Past tense
throbbed
Test yourself on “throb” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

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.

Featured in

People also searched