epiglottis

noun

epi·​glot·​tis ˌe-pə-ˈglä-təs How to pronounce epiglottis (audio)
: a thin plate of flexible cartilage in front of the glottis that folds back over and protects the glottis during swallowing

Examples of epiglottis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
When the epiglottis swells, a kid can’t breathe. — Helen Branswell, STAT, 2 Mar. 2026 The epiglottis, a valve in your larynx that controls airflow, closes. — Jenny Sweigard, Verywell Health, 1 July 2024 Medics have to lift the epiglottis with a metal scope and carefully angle the tube forward. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025 The epiglottis blocks the trachea during swallowing. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for epiglottis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek epiglōttis, from epi- + glōttis glottis

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of epiglottis was in the 15th century

Rhymes for epiglottis

See All Rhymes for epiglottis

Browse Nearby Words

epiglottal
epiglottis
epigonal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Epiglottis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epiglottis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

epiglottis

noun
epi·​glot·​tis ˌep-ə-ˈglät-əs How to pronounce epiglottis (audio)
: a thin plate of flexible cartilage in front of the glottis that folds back over and protects the glottis during swallowing
epiglottal
-ˈglät-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

epiglottis

noun
epi·​glot·​tis ˌep-ə-ˈglät-əs How to pronounce epiglottis (audio)
: a thin lamella of yellow elastic cartilage that ordinarily projects upward behind the tongue and just in front of the glottis and that with the arytenoid cartilages serves to cover the glottis during the act of swallowing

More from Merriam-Webster on epiglottis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about epiglottis

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