moustache: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Informal. Used in everyday conversation; less common in formal writing unless describing appearance in detail.
Quick answer
What does “moustache” mean?
The hair that grows on a man's upper lip.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The hair that grows on a man's upper lip.
Any hair growth, typically horizontal, resembling or likened to a moustache, such as on animals (e.g., a cat's whiskers) or as a food descriptor (e.g., a milk moustache).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling. UK spelling: 'moustache'. US spelling: 'mustache'. The UK spelling occasionally retains the French 'o' in more formal or traditional contexts.
Connotations
Generally similar. Both spellings carry the same range of associations, from stylish or distinguished to comical or villainous, depending on context.
Frequency
The US spelling 'mustache' is overwhelmingly more common in American English. The UK spelling 'moustache' is standard in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “moustache” in a Sentence
He has/grew/shaved [POSSESSIVE] moustache.The moustache makes him look [ADJECTIVE].She noticed his new moustache.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “moustache” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's decided to moustache for 'Movember'.
- The actor was moustached for the period role.
American English
- He's mustaching for charity this month.
- The director wanted him mustached.
adverb
British English
- This style is worn moustache-twirlingly villainous.
- (Rare usage)
American English
- He smiled mustache-twistingly. (Humorous, rare)
- (Rare usage)
adjective
British English
- He had a very moustached appearance.
- The moustache wax is essential.
American English
- It was a heavily mustached crowd at the convention.
- He bought new mustache grooming tools.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in discussions of dress codes or personal grooming policies.
Academic
Rare, used in historical, sociological, or anthropological contexts (e.g., 'The moustache as a symbol of Victorian masculinity').
Everyday
Common for describing personal appearance, fashion trends, or in humorous contexts.
Technical
In film/theatre: for makeup and prosthetics. In biology: occasionally for descriptive animal anatomy (e.g., vibrissae).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “moustache”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “moustache”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moustache”
- Misspelling: 'moustatche', 'mostash'.
- Using 'moustache' to refer to beard hair.
- Incorrect plural: 'moustaches' is correct for multiple people's moustaches or styles, but one person has *a* moustache.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A moustache is hair specifically on the upper lip. A beard is hair on the lower face, typically covering the chin and cheeks. They can be worn separately or together.
Typically no. The term is strongly gendered male. Hair on a woman's upper lip is usually described as 'facial hair' or referred to with more specific medical/dermatological terms like 'hirsutism'.
Both are correct. 'Moustache' is the standard British English spelling. 'Mustache' is the standard American English spelling. The word originates from French 'moustache'.
Yes, but it is rare and informal. It means to grow or adorn with a moustache (e.g., 'He's moustaching for Movember'). The adjectival form ('moustached') is more common.
The hair that grows on a man's upper lip.
Moustache is usually neutral to informal. used in everyday conversation; less common in formal writing unless describing appearance in detail. in register.
Moustache: in British English it is pronounced /məˈstɑːʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌs.tæʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to twirl one's moustache (to act villainously or with smug satisfaction)”
- “milk moustache”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MOre hair on the Upper STACHEl' (upper stash).
Conceptual Metaphor
A MOUSTACHE IS A BADGE OF IDENTITY (indicating maturity, style, or group affiliation).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is a common style of moustache?