Dictionary
1muzzle
noun muz·zle \ˈmə-zəl\
: the usually long nose and mouth of an animal (such as a dog, horse, or pig)
: a covering for the mouth of a dog that stops it from biting people
: the hole at the end of a gun where the bullet comes out
Full Definition of MUZZLE
1
: the projecting jaws and nose of an animal : snout
2
a : a fastening or covering for the mouth of an animal used to prevent eating or biting b : something (as censorship) that restrains normal expression
3
: the open end of an implement; especially : the discharging end of a weapon
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Illustration of MUZZLE
Origin of MUZZLE
Middle English mosel, from Middle French musel, from Old French *mus mouth of an animal, from Medieval Latin musus
First Known Use: 15th century
2muzzle
verb
: to put a muzzle on (a dog) : to place a covering on (the mouth of a dog) to stop biting
: to prevent (a person or group) from speaking or writing in a free or normal way
muz·zledmuz·zling \ˈməz-liŋ, ˈmə-zə-\
Full Definition of MUZZLE
transitive verb
1
: to fit with a muzzle
2
a : gag <muzzled the regime's critics> b : restrain, restrict <the Pentagon's efforts to muzzle press access — Joe Strupp> <the low prices muzzled competition>
— muz·zler \-lər\ noun
See muzzle defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MUZZLE
15th century
Rhymes with MUZZLE
MUZZLE Defined for Kids
1muzzle
noun muz·zle \ˈmə-zəl\
Definition of MUZZLE for Kids
1
: the nose and mouth of an animal (as a dog)
2
: a covering for the mouth of an animal to prevent it from biting or eating
3
: the open end of a gun from which the bullet comes out when the gun is fired
2muzzle
verb
muz·zledmuz·zling
Definition of MUZZLE for Kids
1
: to put a muzzle on <You must muzzle your dog.>
2
: to keep from free expression of ideas or opinions <The dictator muzzled the press.>
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