■ noun ( plural ~s )
1》 the opening and cavity in the lower part of the face, surrounded by the lips, through which food and air are taken and vocal sounds are emitted.
↘the corresponding opening through which an animal takes in food.
2》 an opening or entrance of a hollow, concave, or similar structure.
↘the opening of a container.
3》 the opening or entrance to a harbour or bay.
↘the place where a river enters the sea.
4》 informal talkativeness or impudence.
■ verb
1》 move the lips as if to form (words): she ~ed a silent farewell.
↘say in an insincere or pompous way.
↘( ~ off ) informal talk in an opinionated or boastful way.
2》 take in or touch with the ~.
Phrases
be all ~ ( and no trousers ) informal tend to talk boastfully but not to act on one's words.
give ~ (of a dog) bark.
keep one's ~ shut informal say nothing; avoid revealing a secret.
watch one's ~ informal be careful about what one says.
Derivatives
-~ed adjective
~er 'maʊδə noun
~less adjective
Origin
OE mūth , of Gmc origin.