lipreading

[ lip-ree-ding ]

noun

1. the reading or understanding, as by a deaf person, of spoken words from the movements of another's lips without hearing the sounds made.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lipreading¹

First recorded in 1870–75; lipread + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Last month at the Golden Globes, the singer and friend Selena Gomez were caught on camera talking and fans all over the internet were lipreading their conversation.

From Salon

All attendees are allowed to remove their mask when speaking to Paralympians or others who rely on lipreading—with the suggestion that they stay two meters from the athletes.

From Scientific American

“Before, I would rely on lipreading and residual hearing to communicate with everyone from cashiers to bank tellers to the dentist and more,” says Beatrice Bachleda, a Deaf yoga instructor.

From The Verge

Hearing people, usually well-meaning acquaintances, are quick to send me articles they’ve seen on Facebook about clear masks designed to help with lipreading.

From Washington Post

What does this mean for deaf or lipreading people, or those with cognitive difficulties?

From The Guardian