I. ˈmau̇th noun
( plural mouths ˈmau̇thz also ˈmau̇z, ˈmau̇ths; in synecdochic compounds like “blabbermouths” ths more frequently )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English mūth; akin to Old High German mund mouth and perhaps to Latin mentum chin
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : the natural opening through which food passes into the body of an animal and which in vertebrates is typically bounded externally by the lips and internally by the pharynx and encloses the tongue, gums, and teeth
b. : grimace
made a mouth
c. : an individual requiring food
had too many mouth s to feed
2.
a. : voice , speech
finally gave mouth to her feelings
b. : mouthpiece 3a
c.
(1) : a tendency to excessive talk
(2) : saucy or disrespectful language : impudence
3. : something that resembles a mouth especially in affording entrance or exit: as
a. : the place where a stream enters a larger body of water
b. : the surface opening of an underground cavity
c. : the opening of a container
d. : an opening in the side of an organ flue pipe
• mouth·like ˈmau̇th-ˌlīk adjective
•
- down in the mouth
II. ˈmau̇th also ˈmau̇th
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : speak , pronounce
b. : to utter bombastically : declaim
c. : to repeat without comprehension or sincerity
always mouth ing platitudes
d. : to form soundlessly with the lips
the librarian mouth ed the word “quiet”
e. : to utter indistinctly : mumble
mouth ed his words
2. : to take into the mouth ; especially : eat
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to talk pompously : rant — often used with off
b. : to talk insolently or impudently — usually used with off
2. : to move the mouth especially so as to make faces
• mouth·er noun