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.

Examples of mouthfeel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mineral-rich soils can add structure and mouthfeel, while climate affects sweetness, body, floral character and astringency. — Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

What Water Sommeliers Evaluate Water sommeliers don’t just study the water’s composition; they are also trained to taste it and can detect differences in minerals, flavor, and mouthfeel. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2026

Higher-fat products tend to have a richer texture, creamier mouthfeel, and more intense flavor compared to lower-fat alternatives like frozen yogurt. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 July 2026

These ingredients improve texture, prevent separation, and create a creamy mouthfeel. — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 28 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mouthfeel

• abele
• alkyl
• anneal
• appeal
• cartwheel
• conceal
• congeal
• coquille
• corneal
• cornmeal
• flywheel
• genteel

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