Mouth: meaning, definitions and examples

General and versatile term used for the opening in the face through which people eat, speak, and breathe.

• Please cover your mouth when you cough.
• She smiled with a wide mouth.

Technical or medical term referring to the entire mouth area, including the interior parts beyond the lips and cheeks.

• The dentist checked for any issues in the oral cavity.
• Good hygiene in the oral cavity is important for health.

Specifically refers to the soft, movable parts forming the edge of the mouth. Typically used in contexts involving speaking, kissing, or applying cosmetics.

• She applied lipstick to her lips.
• His lips were chapped due to the cold weather.

Informal and often used to humorously refer to someone's mouth, especially in contexts involving speaking or eating. Sometimes used in negative or playful manners.

• He stuffed a big sandwich into his chops.
• She told him to shut his chops.

Typically refers to the opening in the face of a person or animal where food is taken in and sounds are made. It can also refer to the opening of a river or cave.

• She opened her mouth to speak.
• The river's mouth flows into the sea.

Used when referring to the point at which one can enter a place, such as a building or a room. It implies a more formal or structured entry.

• The main entrance to the museum is around the corner.
• He made a grand entrance at the party.

Can refer to any gap or hole that leads to the interior of something, as well as the beginning of an event or activity.

• She peered through a small opening in the fence.
• The opening ceremony of the Olympics was impressive.

Often used in a more formal or literary sense to describe a grand or monumental entrance. In modern contexts, it can also refer to a website or digital entry point.

• They passed through the ancient portal into the castle grounds.
• You can access your account through the online portal.

Used when referring to forming words silently or speaking without making any sound. It often implies that the words are being spoken insincerely or mechanically. Can be perceived negatively.

• She mouthed the words 'thank you,' but I could tell she didn’t mean it.
• He silently mouthed the lyrics to the song.

Best used when describing the ability to speak clearly and expressively. Often refers to someone who can convey their thoughts well in spoken or written form.

• She is an articulate speaker who captivates her audience.
• He couldn't articulate his feelings properly.

Used when someone is putting their thoughts, feelings, or ideas into words. Particularly applicable when transforming internal thoughts into spoken words. It can sometimes suggest a formal or deliberate action.

• She found it hard to verbalize her frustration.
• He finally verbalized his concerns about the project.

Appropriate for discussing the communication of thoughts, feelings, or ideas clearly, either verbally or through another medium. It is a broad term that can also include non-verbal forms of communication.

• It's important to express your emotions to avoid misunderstandings.
• He expressed his thanks with a warm smile.