toothy

[ too-thee, -thee ]

adjective

, tooth·i·er, tooth·i·est.

1. having or displaying conspicuous teeth: tooth:

   a toothy smile.

2. savory; appetizing; toothsome.
3. possessing a rough surface:

   toothy paper.

4. Archaic. sharp or caustic:

   toothy commentary.

toothy

/ ˈtuːθɪ /

adjective

1. having or showing numerous, large, or projecting teeth

   a toothy grin

Derived Forms

• ˈtoothiness, noun
• ˈtoothily, adverb

Other Words From

• toothi·ly adverb
• toothi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of toothy¹

First recorded in 1520–30; tooth + -y ¹

Example Sentences

In a sea of gray, white and beige storage tanks within the Phillips 66 oil refinery complex in the city of Wilmington, one stands out from the rest with its orange body and toothy grin.

From Los Angeles Times

He has no voice, just the toothy grin of a mime long past his mild mischief days.

From Los Angeles Times

The president touched his heart, and stood a little straighter at the lectern, flashing a toothy smile as the crowd continued to cheer.

From BBC

Lee beamed during her floor routine and flashed a toothy grin while waving to the crowd as she walked off.

From Los Angeles Times

Eyebrows dance above her piercing eyes as her mouth stretches into a toothy grin that’s part smile, part grimace.

From New York Times

Related Words

• acceptable
• agreeable
• appetizing
• attractive
• delicious
• enjoyable
• pleasant
• satisfactory
• tempting