mouth - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
mouth Word Meanings
- the opening through which an animal breathes and eats
- a part of the face with lips that expresses sounds and speech
- the area where a river meets the sea or ocean
mouth Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
mouth Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/maʊθ/
US
/maʊθ/
mouth Word Etymology
Root: mouth = opening for breathing and eating. Origin: Old English 'muðan' → Proto-Germanic 'mulda' → Latin 'os' (mouth). Memory Image: Picture a wide open mouth ready to shout or sing, filled with joy.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I take a small inhale and shape my mouth into a quiet, straight line. The jaw moves, the lips shift, and breath slides through as I move. I adjust the muscles to hold the sound or bite steady, feeling the space change. The way I use this gate—breathing, tasting, shaping words—grows into the rhythm of everyday talk.
Real Context
Mouth is a noun with several core meanings. First, it is the opening through which animals breathe and eat, located on the face; second, it is the part of the face with lips that can form sounds and speech; third, in geography, mouth refers to the place where a river meets the sea or ocean. In everyday usage you will encounter phrases like open your mouth, close your mouth, and the mouth of a river, as well as compound terms such as mouthwash and mouthful. When learning, note collocations with verbs (open, close, smile), and keep straight the different senses (anatomical mouth vs geographical mouth). Memory image: picture a wide open mouth ready to shout or sing.
Usage Reminders
- Pronounce mouth as /maʊθ/; remember the 'th' sound.
- Don't confuse mouth with lips.
- Use 'mouth of the river' for geography.
- Common compounds: mouthful, mouthwash.
- Nouns pluralize to 'mouths'.
Common Misconceptions
- Mouth is only the lips.
- River mouth and mouth of a person are the same thing.
- A mouthful means a whole thing you eat.
- Mouth is only for humans.
- Mouth always means speaking; it has no other senses.
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, mouth carries literal anatomical senses plus geographic metaphor (mouth of a river). Learners often mix up mouth with lips or forget the river mouth meaning.
Learning Tips
- Practice the /maʊθ/ pronunciation with a tongue between teeth.
- Differentiate facial mouth vs river mouth in context.
- Chunk phrases: open your mouth, close your mouth, mouth of the river.
- Learn related terms: lips, tongue, mouthful, mouthwash.
- Remember plural: mouths.
- Use mouth in common idioms to expand usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'mouth'?
A.Part of the face used for eating and speaking
B.Smile
C.Rude
D.Shy
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'mouth' used correctly?
A.She spoke with her mouth
B.He looked with his eyes
C.He listened with his nose
D.She had a big mouse
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'mouth'?
A.Lips
B.Voice
C.Whisper
D.Ear
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'mouth'?
A.Chew
B.Giggle
C.Taste
D.Silence
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you use the word 'mouth'?
A.Reading a book
B.Eating a meal
C.Walking in a park
D.Watching a movie
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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