mouthful
noun
mouth·ful
ˈmau̇th-ˌfu̇l 
1
a
: as much as a mouth will hold
b
: the quantity usually taken into the mouth at one time
2
: a small quantity
3
a
: a very long word or phrase
b
: a comment or a statement rich in meaning or substance
Examples of mouthful in a Sentence
It was a delicious meal. We enjoyed every mouthful.
His last name is a real mouthful.
Recent Examples on the Web
But fashion and branding experts noted the mouthful of a brand name and questioned whether the TV actor-turned-Duchess of Sussex wants to start the next Goop or be the next Martha Stewart.
—
Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2024
However, in the more heavily-sauced mouthfuls, the fruity wine balanced out the louder flavors splendidly.
—The Indianapolis Star, 19 Jan. 2024
The cobbler delivered one mouthful of chunky boysenberry jam after another.
—Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 8 Mar. 2024
Watching players struggle for air and risk swallowing mouthfuls of salt water is about as intense a viewing experience as Survivor can be.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 9 Feb. 2024
Succulent mouthful of a layer cake of flavors—brownies, candy cane, red licorice and cranberry juice.
—Tom Mullen, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024
The most magical detail is a mouthful of teeth made from handmade iron nails, which evoke both Kongo power figures and a very serious scarecrow.
—Will Heinrich, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024
Similarly to how whales process krill, leopard seals suck in mouthfuls of them, blowing water out the sides of their mouths as krill catch onto their interlocking teeth, creating a tasty mouthful of tiny crustaceans to munch on.
—Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2024
There is something purposefully tongue-in-cheek in the slight mouthful of a name for the festival itself, the Los Angeles Festival of Movies.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2024
Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2024
However, in the more heavily-sauced mouthfuls, the fruity wine balanced out the louder flavors splendidly.
—The Indianapolis Star, 19 Jan. 2024
The cobbler delivered one mouthful of chunky boysenberry jam after another.
—Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 8 Mar. 2024
Watching players struggle for air and risk swallowing mouthfuls of salt water is about as intense a viewing experience as Survivor can be.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 9 Feb. 2024
Succulent mouthful of a layer cake of flavors—brownies, candy cane, red licorice and cranberry juice.
—Tom Mullen, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024
The most magical detail is a mouthful of teeth made from handmade iron nails, which evoke both Kongo power figures and a very serious scarecrow.
—Will Heinrich, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024
Similarly to how whales process krill, leopard seals suck in mouthfuls of them, blowing water out the sides of their mouths as krill catch onto their interlocking teeth, creating a tasty mouthful of tiny crustaceans to munch on.
—Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2024
There is something purposefully tongue-in-cheek in the slight mouthful of a name for the festival itself, the Los Angeles Festival of Movies.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mouthful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of mouthful was
in the 15th century
Phrases Containing mouthful
Dictionary Entries Near mouthful
Cite this Entry
“Mouthful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mouthful. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
mouthful
noun
mouth·ful
ˈmau̇th-ˌfu̇l
1
a
: as much as a mouth will hold
b
: the amount put into the mouth at one time
2
: a small quantity
3
a
: a word or phrase that is very long or difficult to say
b
: a comment or remark that is rich in meaning
you said a mouthful
More from Merriam-Webster on mouthful
Nglish: Translation of mouthful for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of mouthful for Arabic Speakers
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