What is mouth? Pronunciation and usage in English

mouth means . Learn how to pronounce and use mouth through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of mouth

mouthnoun

/maʊθ/
Definition & pronunciation of mouth

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "mouth" in English! Here's a breakdown:

The basic pronunciation is: /maʊθ/

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • "ma": This sounds like the "ma" in "mama" or "matter." It's a short "ah" sound.
  • "u": This is a pure "uh" sound – like the "a" in "about". Don’t add an extra vowel sound.
  • "th": This is the tricky part! It's a voiceless dental fricative. Here’s how to make it:
    • Position your tongue lightly between your teeth. Like you're about to say "this" or “that”.
    • Blow air over your tongue. Don't actually touch your teeth. It's a breathy sound. Many people find this challenging initially.

Tips to help:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it! You can easily find audio pronunciations on:

  • Practice slowly: Start by saying each syllable separately: "ma," "uh," "th." Then, blend them together slowly.

  • Don't over-articulate the "th": It should be a light, breathy sound, not a forceful one.

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

Common Mistakes:

  • Saying "mouth" as "mouth" with a long "oo" sound: (like "moon") - This is a very common mistake.

  • Adding an extra vowel sound before the "th": (like “moo-th”)

Would you like me to:

  • Give you a longer example sentence using "mouth"?
  • Focus on a specific aspect of the pronunciation (like just practicing the "th")?

Usage and examples with the word mouth in English

Let's break down how to use the word "mouth" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized by its different uses:

1. The Biological Mouth (The Physical Organ)

  • Definition: This is the most common meaning – the opening in your face used for eating, speaking, and breathing.
  • Examples:
    • "I have a cavity in my mouth." (Medical)
    • "He smiled, revealing his beautiful mouth."
    • "She opened her mouth to speak."
    • "The dentist examined my mouth."

2. The Opening in an Animal

  • Definition: "Mouth" refers to the opening in the mouth of an animal – a fish, a bird, a reptile, etc.
  • Examples:
    • “The crocodile’s mouth is very powerful.”
    • “The fish opened its mouth to take the bait.”
    • “The snake’s mouth is filled with sharp teeth.”

3. "Mouth" as a Place (A Location)

  • Definition: This refers to an entrance or opening to something.
  • Examples:
    • “The mouth of the river.” (Where the river flows out into a larger body of water)
    • “The mouth of the cave.” (The entrance to the cave)
    • “The mouth of the tunnel.”

4. "Mouth" as an Expression - Meaning Words or Speech

  • Definition: This is a very common idiom. "Mouth" refers to the way someone speaks – their words, what they say, or their opinions.
  • Examples:
    • "She has a sharp mouth; she’s always criticizing." (Meaning she’s critical in her speech.)
    • "Don't let your mouth run on him; he's trying to concentrate." (Meaning don't talk too much.)
    • “He used his mouth to express his feelings.” (Referring to his words.)
    • “She had a silver mouth, always saying polite things.” (Meaning she was polite in her speech)

5. "Mouth" as an Expression - Meaning Appetite or Desire

  • Definition: "Mouth" can also mean a craving or desire for something.
  • Examples:
    • "I have a terrible mouth for chocolate." (Meaning I really want chocolate.)
    • "He’s got a big mouth for steak.” (Meaning he loves steak.)

6. "Mouth" as a Verb (to speak)

  • Definition: To speak, utter, or communicate orally.
  • Examples:
    • "He mouthed the words, but I couldn't understand him." (Meaning he spoke them, but quietly or indistinctly)
    • "She mouthed a protest." (Meaning she expressed her disapproval verbally.)

Phrases and Idioms Using “Mouth”

  • "Loose lips sink ships": A warning about gossiping.
  • "Put your money where your mouth is": Follow through with your words and actions.
  • "Keep your mouth shut": Don't speak.
  • "To mouth off": To speak rudely or aggressively.

Tips for Using "Mouth" Correctly

  • Context is key: The meaning of "mouth" depends entirely on the context of the sentence.
  • Be mindful of idioms: Many phrases use "mouth" in a figurative sense.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you struggling with a particular sentence where you’re using "mouth"?
  • Are you trying to understand a specific idiom that uses “mouth”?

Synonyms for the word mouth

Practice with vocabulary mouth

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The doctor asked the patient to open their _______ wide to examine their tonsils.
  2. Before giving his presentation, he took a deep breath to calm the dryness in his _______.
  3. She carefully applied lipstick to her _______ before the video conference.
  4. His eloquent _______ helped him persuade the committee to approve the proposal.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. When speaking clearly, it is important to enunciate by carefully shaping words with your ______. a) tongue b) mouth c) vocal cords d) lungs
  2. The negotiator kept his _______ shut, carefully listening to the other party's demands before responding. a) mouth b) lips c) opinion d) thoughts
  3. Despite the noise, she _______ a silent "thank you" to her colleague across the crowded room. a) whispered b) mouthed c) gestured d) uttered
  4. Before presenting the new marketing strategy, the team leader cleared his _______ to ensure his voice was strong. a) throat b) mind c) schedule d) desk
  5. Effective public speaking relies heavily on clear _______ and proper pronunciation of words. a) diction b) elocution c) rhetoric d) expression

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: He found it hard to consume the large sandwich. Rewrite using "mouth":
  2. Original: The legal team ensured all official communication was consistent. Rewrite using "mouth" or related word forms:
  3. Original: The politician's statements were often vague and unspecific. Rewrite not using "mouth":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. mouth
  2. mouth
  3. lips
  4. speech

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) mouth
  2. a) mouth, b) lips
  3. b) mouthed
  4. a) throat
  5. a) diction, b) elocution

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He found the large sandwich too big for his mouth.
  2. The legal team ensured that everything said by the company's mouthpieces was consistent.
  3. The politician's utterances were often vague and unspecific.

Comment ()