What does mouthwatering mean?
Mouthwatering describes something that makes the mouth water, usually because it looks, smells, or tastes exceptionally delicious. The expression is especially common when discussing food, such as a mouthwatering meal, aroma, or photograph, but it can also be used figuratively for anything that is so attractive or exciting that it creates an immediate craving. Its force comes from a vivid physical response: the thought or sight of the food produces saliva before it is tasted. The term is generally informal and enthusiastic rather than formal or neutral, so it suits reviews, advertisements, menus, and casual conversation more than precise technical writing. Although “mouth-watering” with a hyphen is also used, the closed spelling “mouthwatering” is common in contemporary English.
adjectiveCausing the mouth to water, especially because food looks or smells especially appetizing. It can also figuratively describe something so attractive or exciting that it creates a strong desire.
- Causing salivation or a strong appetite, especially in response to food.
- So attractive, exciting, or desirable that it provokes strong enthusiasm or desire.
"The smell of the fresh pastries was so mouthwatering that we stopped at the bakery."
"The chef presented a mouthwatering roast chicken with roasted vegetables."
"The travel photographs were so mouthwatering that we immediately booked the trip."
If a meal can make your mouth water before you even take a bite, it has achieved the highest compliment food can receive.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mouthwatering come from?
The word is formed from the familiar elements “mouth” and “water” with the suffix “-ing,” describing food or an experience that prompts salivation. “Mouth” and “water” are old English words, while the compound phrase developed in modern English. The related verb “mouth-water” and the more common noun “mouth-watering” reflect the same literal idea of salivation.
Related word forms
How mouthwatering is actually used
The word is informal and strongly positive, most often describing food but also used figuratively for appealing images, destinations, or opportunities. It is commonly written as one word, though the hyphenated form “mouth-watering” is also established.
Easily confused with mouthwatering
Mouthwatering and mouth-watering are spelling variants of the same adjective; the closed form is especially common in modern usage, while the hyphenated form may be used for emphasis or when the expression is treated as a compound.