wisdom tooth

American  

noun

1. the third molar on each side of the upper and lower jaws: the last tooth to erupt.

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idioms

1. cut one's wisdom teeth, to attain maturity or discretion.

wisdom tooth British  

noun

1. Technical name: third molar.  any of the four molar teeth, one at the back of each side of the jaw, that are the last of the permanent teeth to erupt

2. to arrive at the age of discretion

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wisdom tooth Scientific  

/ wĭz′dəm /

1. One of four molars, the last on each side of both jaws in humans, usually appearing in young adulthood.

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Etymology

Origin of wisdom tooth

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

“Who else had to get a wisdom tooth removed directly from the hospital the day after they gave birth,” she captioned the photo.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2025

CMAT, 29, whose real name is Ciara Mary‑Alice Thompson, attended Thursday's ceremony but did not perform after being treated for an infected wisdom tooth which forced her to cancel tour dates earlier this month.

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

Thompson confirmed she would cancel her upcoming concerts after learning she had an infected wisdom tooth.

From BBC • Oct. 1, 2025

Dentist Dr. Jay Friedman, a longtime crusader against wisdom tooth extraction, pointed this out in a 2007 article in the American Journal of Public Health.

From Salon • May 7, 2024

“It’s just a wisdom tooth, so nothing crazy. Twenty bucks sound fair?”

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds