What does mouthed mean?
Mouthed is most often the past tense and past participle of the verb “mouth,” meaning to form or utter words with the lips. Its familiar modern use describes someone who says something without producing an audible sound: a performer may mouth words during a song, or a person may mouth an apology while making no sound. The word can also suggest that words are being delivered mechanically, reluctantly, or on someone else’s behalf. In compound adjectives, “mouthed” describes something possessing a particular kind of mouth or opening, as with “wide-mouthed bottle.” Although dictionaries commonly record “mouthed” under the verb, its separate adjectival use is grammatically straightforward and widely recognizable. The word is useful because it distinguishes visible speech from audible speech and can also suggest controlled or insincere articulation without requiring the speaker’s intentions to be stated.
To form or utter words with the lips, especially without an audible sound.
"The child mouthed “thank you” while the shopkeeper was looking away."
Often implies silent articulation, restricted speech, or mechanical or reluctant delivery.
Having a mouth of a specified kind, especially one of a particular shape or width.
"She poured the batter into a wide-mouthed container."
This use is especially common in compound adjectives such as “wide-mouthed” and “narrow-mouthed.”
Mouthed can describe someone speaking without a sound—or giving you words to say.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mouthed come from?
“Mouthed” is formed by adding the English past-tense and past-participle ending -ed to the verb “mouth.” The noun “mouth” descends from Old English mūþ, an inherited Germanic word with cognates in Dutch mond and German Mund. The development of “mouthed” therefore reflects the ordinary English conversion of a verb into its inflected past and participle forms.
Related word forms
How mouthed is actually used
The verb is neutral in register but commonly conveys silence, restricted speech, or mechanical or reluctant delivery. The adjectival use is usually found in compounds describing the shape or type of an opening.