mouthful

[ mouth-fool ]

noun

, plural mouth·fuls.

1. the amount a mouth can hold.
2. the amount taken into the mouth at one time.
3. a small quantity.
4. Informal. a spoken remark of great truth, relevance, effectiveness, etc.:

   You said a mouthful!

5. a long word or group of words, especially one that is hard to pronounce.

mouthful

/ ˈmaʊθˌfʊl /

noun

1. as much as is held in the mouth at one time
2. a small quantity, as of food
3. a long word or phrase that is difficult to say
4. informal.
   an abusive response
5. informal.
   an impressive remark (esp in the phrase say a mouthful )

Spelling Note

See -ful.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mouthful¹

1375–1425; late Middle English. See mouth, -ful

Idioms and Phrases

see say a mouthful .

Example Sentences

Long encumbered by a mouthful of metal, Zachary was told by his parents Friday that he could leave his fifth-grade class early because he had an orthodontist appointment to get his braces removed.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s an absolute mouthful to sing, with a lot of wordage,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

Suddenly, webs seem to line every window frame and hover in midair — threatening you with a mouthful of silk.

From Los Angeles Times

He accidentally swallowed a mouthful of water in the process - but remarked that it tasted fine.

From BBC

“My grandmother just said there would be someone in the forest to help,” May said through a mouthful of a tasty deep-brown bread.

From Literature