toothpaste: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral
Quick answer
What does “toothpaste” mean?
A paste or gel used with a toothbrush for cleaning teeth and maintaining oral hygiene.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A paste or gel used with a toothbrush for cleaning teeth and maintaining oral hygiene.
Also refers to the product category in personal care and can be used metaphorically for anything white or pasty, such as in descriptions of smiles or substances.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; both varieties use 'toothpaste' with the same spelling and meaning.
Connotations
Neutral connotations associated with dental care, cleanliness, and freshness in both British and American English.
Frequency
Equally common and frequently used in everyday language in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “toothpaste” in a Sentence
N + of + toothpastetoothpaste + for + NPuse toothpaste + to-infVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “toothpaste” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He toothpasted quickly before dashing out.
American English
- She toothpastes her teeth twice daily without fail.
adverb
British English
- The bathroom was scrubbed toothpaste-clean.
American English
- She polished the floor toothpaste-smooth.
adjective
British English
- She flashed a toothpaste smile during the interview.
American English
- He wore a toothpaste-white suit to the event.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Toothpaste sales are influenced by marketing campaigns and consumer trends.
Academic
Research indicates that fluoride toothpaste reduces the prevalence of dental caries in populations.
Everyday
I need to pick up some toothpaste from the supermarket.
Technical
The relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) of toothpaste is critical for evaluating its safety on enamel.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “toothpaste”
- Using 'toothpaste' as a countable noun without context, e.g., saying 'toothpastes' instead of 'tubes of toothpaste'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, toothpaste with fluoride is recommended by dentists to help prevent tooth decay and strengthen enamel.
Yes, toothpaste can expire, and using it past the expiration date may reduce its effectiveness and flavor.
Common active ingredients include fluoride for cavity prevention, abrasives for cleaning, and antimicrobial agents like triclosan in some formulations.
Adults should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for effective cleaning while minimizing waste and potential ingestion risks.
A paste or gel used with a toothbrush for cleaning teeth and maintaining oral hygiene.
Toothpaste is usually neutral in register.
Toothpaste: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtuːθpeɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtuθpeɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'tooth' + 'paste' – it's a paste specifically for your teeth.
Conceptual Metaphor
Toothpaste is often metaphorically linked to cleanliness, whiteness, and purity, as in 'toothpaste smile'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of toothpaste?