mustache
B1Informal, neutral
Definition
Meaning
A strip of hair grown on a man's upper lip.
The hair growing on a mammal's muzzle; something resembling a mustache in shape or position (e.g., a mark or pattern).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to facial hair on humans. In zoology, can refer to vibrissae (whiskers).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English 'moustache' / American English 'mustache'. Pronunciation is slightly different due to the first vowel.
Connotations
Commonly associated with masculinity, authority, or fashion/style. Can have cultural/historical connotations (e.g., 1970s fashion, military).
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties when referring to facial hair.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
He has + POSSESSIVE + mustacheHe grew a mustacheThe mustache suited himVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A mustache twirl (villainous gesture)”
- “Pencil-thin mustache (associated with precision or villains)”
- “Waxed mustache (carefully styled)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, unless in personal grooming or fashion contexts. 'His well-groomed mustache was part of his professional image.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical, cultural, or biological studies. 'The study examined the cultural significance of the mustache in the 19th century.'
Everyday
Very common. 'He's decided to grow a mustache for Movember.'
Technical
In zoology/biology, referring to vibrissae. 'The walrus's mustache is composed of sensitive whiskers.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He is moustached and monocled.
- The character is traditionally moustached in that play.
American English
- The suspect is described as mustached and tall.
- He mustached his way through the crowd. (rare, humorous)
adverb
British English
- Not standardly used.
American English
- Not standardly used.
adjective
British English
- He had a moustached appearance.
- The moustached gentleman offered his seat.
American English
- Look for the mustached man in the photograph.
- It was a meeting of mustached detectives.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My dad has a black mustache.
- He shaved his mustache yesterday.
- He grew a mustache for charity.
- Do you think a mustache would suit me?
- His new mustache looks very smart.
- He sports a meticulously waxed handlebar mustache that requires daily care.
- The old photograph showed a line of soldiers, each with a thick mustache.
- The villain's twirled mustache became a visual shorthand for his nefarious intentions in the silent film era.
- His philosophical musings were as dense and tangled as his unruly mustache.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A man MUST have space on his upper lip to grow a mustache' (Must + space).
Conceptual Metaphor
A mustache is a SIGNATURE (a distinctive, identifying feature).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'усы' (pl.) which is correct, but English 'mustache' can be singular ('a mustache') or plural ('his mustaches are long' is less common). In English, 'усы' and 'борода' (beard) are distinct.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'mustache' to refer to a full beard. Spelling confusion between UK 'moustache' and US 'mustache'. Pronouncing it with a strong /ʊ/ (as in 'put') in American English instead of /ʌ/ (as in 'bus').
Practice
Quiz
Which spelling is the primary American English variant?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The spelling 'moustache' (with an 'o') is standard in British English. 'Mustache' (without an 'o') is standard in American English.
Yes, informally it can refer to the whiskers or hair around an animal's muzzle (e.g., 'the cat's white mustache'). Technically, these are called vibrissae.
Yes. You can have 'a mustache' (singular) or talk about 'several impressive mustaches' (plural).
A mustache specifically refers to hair grown on the upper lip. A beard refers to hair grown on the chin, cheeks, and sometimes neck. A person can have both.