Throaty describes a low, rough, or raspy sound that seems to come from deep in someone's throat rather than from their mouth or nose. A throaty voice sounds husky and gravelly, like someone who just woke up or has been cheering loudly at a game for hours.

When a singer uses a throaty tone, the sound resonates in their throat, creating a deeper, more textured quality. Blues and rock singers often use throaty voices to add emotion and grit to their performances. A throaty laugh rumbles low and rich, different from a high giggle or a light chuckle.

Animals can make throaty sounds too. A lion's roar is throaty and powerful. A bullfrog's croak comes from deep in its throat. When your dog growls protectively, that's a throaty sound that warns strangers to stay away.

The word can also describe engines or machines that produce low, rumbling sounds. A throaty engine in a race car or motorcycle produces a deep, powerful roar that you can feel in your chest. The opposite would be a high-pitched whine or a quiet hum.