throttled; throttling
ˈthrä-tᵊl-iŋ 
ˈthrät-liŋ
; throttles
1
2
a
: to decrease the flow of (something, such as steam or fuel to an engine) by a valve
b
: to regulate and especially to reduce the speed of (something, such as an engine) by such means
c
: to vary the thrust of (a rocket engine) during flight
3
: to limit or reduce (the bandwidth available to users of an electronic communication system, such as the Internet) : to subject to throttling (see throttling sense 2)
The company throttles data access for customers who use a lot of data during moments of network congestion …—
Matt Day
Matt Day
: to throttle something (something, such as an engine)
—usually used with back or down
the pilot throttled back
1
a
: a valve for regulating the supply of a fluid (such as steam) to an engine
especially
: the valve controlling the volume of vaporized fuel charge delivered to the cylinders of an internal combustion engine
b
: the lever controlling this valve
c
: the condition of being throttled
2
a
b
Examples of throttle in a Sentence
Verb
I was so angry at what he was saying that I could have throttled him!
Noun
When you press a car's accelerator, it opens the throttle, and the car goes faster.
Recent Examples on the Web
Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 29 Oct. 2025
Look for high-data or unlimited plans to avoid throttling.
—Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Collectors looking to twist the throttle like the King of Cool himself are in luck.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for throttle
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Verb
The late icon strapped himself into his guitar while throttling songs in Shellac and Big Black, changing how menacing a punk riff could sound.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 29 Oct. 2025
Look for high-data or unlimited plans to avoid throttling.
—Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
The sport drive mode improved steering feel, transmission and throttle response.
—Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Collectors looking to twist the throttle like the King of Cool himself are in luck.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for throttle
Cite this Entry
“Throttle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throttle. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
throttle
1 of 2 verb
throt·tle
ˈthrät-ᵊl
throttled; throttling
ˈthrät-liŋ
-ᵊl-iŋ
2
: to reduce the speed of (an engine) by closing the throttle
throttle
2 of 2 noun1
: a valve controlling the flow of steam or fuel to an engine
2
: a lever controlling a throttle
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