tonsil
noun
ton·sil
ˈtän(t)-səl 
1
: either of a pair of prominent masses of lymphoid tissue that lie one on each side of the throat between two folds of soft tissue that bound the fauces
2
: any of various masses of lymphoid tissue (such as the adenoids) that are similar to tonsils
Examples of tonsil in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jones also accompanied the man to his daughter’s doctor appointment Monday, where the child was getting her tonsils out.
—
Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2024
Your doctor might suggest procedures like laser tonsil cryptolysis, which smooths the tonsil crypts to reduce stone formation.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024
If tonsil stones are impacting your quality of life, Brown recommends seeing a physician to have a discussion about tonsil activity.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024
The tonsils are an integral part of the body’s immune function.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tonsil 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2024
Your doctor might suggest procedures like laser tonsil cryptolysis, which smooths the tonsil crypts to reduce stone formation.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024
If tonsil stones are impacting your quality of life, Brown recommends seeing a physician to have a discussion about tonsil activity.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024
The tonsils are an integral part of the body’s immune function.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tonsil
Dictionary Entries Near tonsil
Cite this Entry
“Tonsil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tonsil. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tonsil
noun
ton·sil
ˈtän(t)-səl
: either of a pair of oval-shaped masses of spongy tissue that lie one on each side of the throat at the back of the mouth
Medical Definition
tonsil
noun
ton·sil
ˈtän(t)-səl
1
a
: either of a pair of prominent masses of lymphoid tissue that lie one on each side of the throat between the anterior and posterior pillars of the fauces and are composed of lymph follicles grouped around one or more deep crypts and except for the exposed surface which is covered only by epithelium are surrounded by diffuse lymphoid tissue in a fibrous capsule
called also palatine tonsil
c
2
: a rounded prominence situated medially on the lower surface of each lateral hemisphere of the cerebellum
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share