mouth
noun
Definitions of mouth noun
body part
- A1Countable
the opening in the face of a person or animal, consisting of the lips and the space between them, or the space behind containing the teeth and the tongue
Open your mouth wide and say "Ah."
You should not put so much food into your mouth all at once.
She covered her mouth with her hand, trying to stifle a laugh.
opening
- C1CountableUsually singular
the opening of a narrow container, the opening of a hole or cave, or the place where a river flows into the sea
Quebec City is located at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River.
They found the mouth of the cave to be very narrow.
The mouth of the bottle is too small to pour out the contents easily.
verb
Definitions of mouth verb
- Transitive
to form words with the lips without making any sound
It appears to me that these singers are only mouthing the words.
"Can we leave now?" mouthed Mary.
In the back of the classroom, students started mouthing conversations.
- Transitive
to say something in a way that is not sincere
I don't want to stand here listening to you mouthing insincere apologies.
He was just mouthing support, but he didn't really care.
Stop mouthing those empty promises to me.
Idioms
- keep your mouth shut
To refrain from speaking about a particular matter; to remain silent.
• When asked about the project, he chose to keep his mouth shut.
- be all mouth
Describes someone who talks a great deal about their intentions but rarely follows through with action.
• He always says he's going to start a business, but I think he's all mouth.
- be down in the mouth
To exhibit a sad or dejected demeanor; to appear unhappy or depressed.
• He's been down in the mouth ever since his pet went missing.
- make someone's mouth water
To make someone's mouth water means that the sight or smell of food is so appealing that it makes them eager to eat it.
• The freshly baked bread smelled so good, it made my mouth water.
- a mouth to feed
A person, especially a new baby, who requires care and provision of food.
• During times of unemployment and financial instability, they really couldn't afford another mouth to feed.
- out of the mouths of babes (and sucklings)
This idiom is used when a child says something surprisingly wise or insightful.
• When I was complaining about my job, my four-year-old son said, 'Maybe you need a new one!' Out of the mouths of babes.
Phrasal Verbs of mouth
- mouth off (about something)
to voice your opinions in a very loud and public manner
• He mouthed off at the meeting, completely disregarding how others felt.
- mouth off (to/at someone)
to address someone in a disrespectful or insulting manner
• During the meeting, he mouthed off at the manager, shocking everyone present.