mouthfeel

noun

mouth·feel ˈmau̇th-ˌfēl

: the sensation created by food or drink in the mouth

Did you know?

Do you sometimes find yourself trying to describe a concept or phenomenon for which you don't have a word? In such cases, it is not unusual for people to coin neologisms (new words or expressions) to describe such concepts or phenomena - the pink glow on the underside of gray clouds right before sunset, for example, or the sensation created in the mouth by a particular item of food or drink. Indeed, this latter concept has already been given a name, "mouthfeel," a simple combination of "mouth" and "feel" that can be used to describe the creamy warmth of a mushroom soup or the dry, velvety sensation of a pinot noir. This coinage is relatively new; its earliest known use dates back only to 1951.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web This difference remained statistically significant after adjusting for researcher, pub ambience, Guinness appearance, and the sensory measures mouthfeel, flavor, and aftertaste. —

Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 25 Sep. 2015 Aroma, mouthfeel, flavor profile and finish were all considered in making these choices. —

Tony Sachs, Robb Report, 18 Jan. 2023 The result here is a very sippable whiskey with a buttery mouthfeel, a nutty character and a smooth and slightly sweet finish. —

Paris Wolfe, cleveland, 9 Dec. 2022 Beautifully delicate mouthfeel with minerality and flavors that include crisp yellow and green apples. —

Tom Mullen, Forbes, 31 July 2022 The melt-in-your-mouth phenomenon of bacon illustrates another nuance of mouthfeel, which is vanishing caloric density. —

Mai Nguyen, Discover Magazine, 7 Apr. 2015 The species of oak grown in France is known to give more velvety texture and stronger spice notes, while American oak is noted for imparting creamier mouthfeel and stronger flavors of vanilla and coconut. —

Mike Desimone And Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2023 The palate is smooth with a silky mouthfeel and a seamless texture. —

Tan Vinh And Owen Bargreen, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Dec. 2022 That gritty mouthfeel and bitter-tinny aftertaste was the flavor of progress. —

Richard Faulk, Discover Magazine, 4 June 2015 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mouthfeel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.