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
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2026
The result is a drink that retains the mouthfeel and head retention of a traditional pint, rather than a watery substitute.
—William Jones, Ascend Agency, 27 Feb. 2026
The mounting expectations set off by aroma mark the first stage of mouthfeel and taste.
—Literary Hub, 4 Feb. 2026
Large amounts of hot fat can also lead to splattering, smoking, or an oily mouthfeel that can weigh your dish down.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mouthfeel
Cite this Entry
“Mouthfeel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mouthfeel. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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