mouth
A1Neutral, used in all registers; can be vulgar/derogatory when used as a verb in some contexts (e.g., 'He mouthed off').
Definition
Meaning
The opening in the face for eating and speaking; the bodily cavity containing the tongue and teeth.
1. The opening or entrance to something hollow (e.g., the mouth of a cave, bottle, river). 2. A person or thing seen as a source of information or expression (e.g., 'He is the mouth of the organization'). 3. (Derogatory) Impudent, insolent, or boastful talk.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, highly frequent and literal. The verb form often involves a metaphorical extension: to move lips silently (mouth the words) or to speak insincerely (mouth platitudes). The plural 'mouths' (/maʊðz/) has a voiced final consonant.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun usage is identical. The verb 'to mouth off' (to complain/talk insolently) is more strongly associated with AmE but is understood in BrE. Slight preference in AmE for 'mouth of the river' vs. BrE 'estuary' or 'river mouth'.
Connotations
The imperative 'Shut your mouth!' is equally strong/vulgar in both. 'Big mouth' (gossipy/talkative person) is common in both.
Frequency
Noun form is equally common. Verb forms (mouthing, mouthed) might be slightly more frequent in AmE due to idiom 'mouth off'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
mouth something (verb + obj: He mouthed an apology.)mouth off (phrasal verb: He mouthed off to the teacher.)mouth at someone (He mouthed at me across the room.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “put your money where your mouth is”
- “down in the mouth”
- “run off at the mouth”
- “born with a silver spoon in one's mouth”
- “make one's mouth water”
- “take the words right out of someone's mouth”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in marketing: 'word-of-mouth advertising', 'mouth-watering offer'.
Academic
Anatomy/biology: 'oral cavity', 'buccal cavity'. Geography: 'river mouth', 'estuarine mouth'.
Everyday
Most common: eating, speaking, facial expressions. 'Don't talk with your mouth full.'
Technical
Music: 'mouthpiece'. Medicine/Dentistry: 'mouth ulcer', 'mouth rinse'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The actor mouthed his lines silently during the rehearsal.
- The footballer was sent off for mouthing obscenities at the referee.
- Don't just mouth the slogans; believe in them.
American English
- She mouthed 'thank you' from across the crowded room.
- He's always mouthing off about politics but never votes.
- The coach told the player to stop mouthing and get back in the game.
adverb
British English
- (Rare/Non-standard) Not typically used as an adverb.
American English
- (Rare/Non-standard) Not typically used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He gave a very mouth-watering description of the dessert.
- The puppy had a mouth-based infection.
- It was a mouth-blown glass ornament.
American English
- The advertisement was full of mouth-watering images of burgers.
- She used a special mouth rinse after brushing.
- The mouth-related side effect was dry mouth.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Close your mouth when you chew.
- I have a sweet taste in my mouth.
- The baby has food around its mouth.
- She opened her mouth to speak but stopped.
- The river mouth was wide and muddy.
- He got the job through word of mouth.
- The politician was accused of just mouthing empty promises.
- The smell from the bakery was absolutely mouth-watering.
- He's always putting his foot in his mouth with inappropriate comments.
- The cave's mouth was shrouded in mist, hiding its true dimensions.
- The actor mouthed a silent curse as he exited the stage.
- She deftly rebutted the critic, taking the words right out of his mouth.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'south' - both end with /aʊθ/. You go SOUTH to put food in your MOUTH.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENTRANCE/OPENING IS A MOUTH (the mouth of a cave, bottle, river). PERSON AS A MOUTH (spokesperson). INSINCERE SPEECH IS MOUTHING (just moving lips).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Russian 'рот' is only for the body part. Do not use 'mouth' for an opening unless it's a standard phrase (mouth of a river).
- Russian 'устье' (river mouth) is more specific; in English, 'mouth' is the common term.
- Verb 'to mouth' does not mean 'to grimace' (строить рожи).
Common Mistakes
- Pronunciation of plural 'mouths' as /maʊθs/ (should be /maʊðz/).
- Using 'mouth' as a verb incorrectly: 'He mouthed the answer' means he moved his lips silently, NOT shouted it.
- Spelling confusion with 'mouth' (noun) and 'mouthe' (archaic).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'to mouth off' typically mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the base pronunciation is the same (/maʊθ/ for singular noun, /maʊð/ for verb). The key difference is in the plural noun 'mouths', which is pronounced /maʊðz/ with a voiced 'th'.
'Mouth' is the common, everyday word. 'Oral' is a more formal, clinical, or technical adjective (e.g., oral exam, oral hygiene, oral tradition). You would not say 'I have an oral' to mean you have a mouth.
Yes, it is commonly used for mammals (the dog's mouth). For birds, 'beak' is more common, and for fish, 'mouth' is fine but 'jaws' might be used for large predators.
It is an idiom meaning to look sad, unhappy, or depressed. It comes from the visual cue of the corners of the mouth turning downwards when someone is sad.
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Body and Health
A1 · 49 words · Parts of the body and basic health vocabulary.