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¹mouth

noun, often attributive \ˈmau̇th\

: the opening through which food passes into the body : the part of the face that includes the lips and the opening behind them

: an opening in something

: the place where a river enters the ocean

plural mouths \ˈmau̇thz also ˈmau̇z, ˈmau̇ths; in synecdochic compounds like “blabbermouths” ths more frequently\

Full Definition of MOUTH

a : the natural opening through which food passes into the body of an animal and which in vertebrates is typically bounded externally by the lips and internally by the pharynx and encloses the tongue, gums, and teeth

b : grimace <made a mouth>

c : an individual requiring food <had too many mouths to feed>

a : voice, speech <finally gave mouth to her feelings>

b : mouthpiece 3a

c (1) : a tendency to excessive talk (2) : saucy or disrespectful language : impudence

: something that resembles a mouth especially in affording entrance or exit: as

a : the place where a stream enters a larger body of water

b : the surface opening of an underground cavity

c : the opening of a container

d : an opening in the side of an organ flue pipe

— mouth·like \ˈmau̇th-ˌlīk\ adjective

— down in the mouth

: dejected, sulky

See mouth defined for English-language learners

See mouth defined for kids

Origin of MOUTH

Middle English, from Old English mūth; akin to Old High German mund mouth and perhaps to Latin mentum chin

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to MOUTH

Synonyms: chops, gob [chiefly British], kisser [slang], mug, piehole [slang], trap [slang], yap [slang]

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

Rhymes with MOUTH

routh, scouth, south

²mouth

verb \ˈmau̇th also ˈmau̇th\

: to say or repeat (something) without really meaning it or understanding it

: to form (words) with your lips without speaking

Full Definition of MOUTH

transitive verb

a : speak, pronounce

b : to utter bombastically : declaim

c : to repeat without comprehension or sincerity <always mouthing platitudes>

d : to form soundlessly with the lips <the librarian mouthed the word “quiet”>

e : to utter indistinctly : mumble <mouthed his words>

: to take into the mouth; especially : eat

intransitive verb

a : to talk pompously : rant —often used with off

b : to talk insolently or impudently —usually used with off

: to move the mouth especially so as to make faces

— mouth·er noun

See mouth defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of MOUTH

14th century

Related to MOUTH

Synonyms: grimace, mug

Antonyms: speak out, speak up

MOUTHS Defined for Kids

¹mouth

noun \ˈmau̇th\

plural mouths \ˈmau̇thz, ˈmau̇ths\

Definition of MOUTH for Kids

: the opening through which food passes into the body and which in humans is surrounded on the outside by the lips and contains the tongue and teeth

: an opening that is like a mouth <There was a butcher who worked in the mouth of a narrow alley. — Laurence Yep, Dragonwings>

: the place where a stream enters a larger body of water

²mouth

verb \ˈmau̇th\

mouthedmouth·ing

Definition of MOUTH for Kids

: to form with the lips without speaking <The librarian mouthed “quiet.”>

: to repeat without being sincere or without understanding <Salesmen mouthed meaningless slogans.>

Medical Dictionary

mouth

noun \ˈmau̇th\

plural mouths \ˈmau̇thz\

Medical Definition of MOUTH

: the natural opening through which food passes into the animal body and which in vertebrates is typically bounded externally by the lips and internally by the pharynx and encloses the tongue, gums, and teeth