What does mouth mean?
A mouth is the opening in a person’s or animal’s face, normally framed by the lips and used for eating, breathing, and making speech. The word also describes entrances to caves, tunnels, and containers, and the place where a river empties into a larger body of water. In idiomatic expressions, a mouth may represent a person’s speech, attitude, or willingness to reveal information: a matter can be ‘put into words’ and a secret can be kept ‘under one’s mouth.’ As a verb, ‘mouth’ means to speak words in an exaggerated or distorted manner, often imitating someone else. It can also occur in compounds such as ‘mouth-to-mouth,’ referring to emergency resuscitation. Together, its literal, spatial, figurative, and verbal uses make it a highly versatile word.
The opening in a person’s or animal’s face through which food, breath, and sound pass; also, an opening or entrance, especially that of a river.
"The river empties into the sea at the mouth of the bay."
In figurative use, ‘mouth’ often refers to speech or to a person’s speaking style.
To speak or form words in an exaggerated or distorted way.
"He mouthed the words to himself while pretending to read the menu."
This use is informal and can imply mimicry, mockery, or speaking without producing audible sound.
The usual plural is ‘mouths,’ as in the mouths of the people seated around the table.
"Several mouths opened at once as the audience reacted."
A river has a mouth just as a person does: it is the place where the water empties out.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of mouth
The English word comes from Old English muþ, meaning the opening of the head and the entrance to the digestive tract. It developed from Proto-Germanic *muþą and ultimately from an Indo-European root associated with the mouth and openings. Related forms include German Mund, Dutch mond, and Scandinavian words such as Norwegian munn, all sharing the same ancient Germanic origin.
Related word forms
How mouth is actually used
In the verb sense, ‘mouth’ can suggest exaggerated or distorted speech and may sound dismissive or mocking. The expression ‘mouth off’ is informal and can mean speaking angrily or disrespectfully. As a noun, ‘mouth’ can refer broadly to a person’s speaking or speaking style.
Easily confused with mouth
A mouth is an opening in a person’s or animal’s face, whereas a moth is a type of flying insect.