mouthwash

noun

mouth·​wash ˈmau̇th-ˌwȯsh 

-ˌwäsh

: a usually antiseptic liquid preparation for cleaning the mouth and teeth or freshening the breath

Examples of mouthwash in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Most experts recommend using mouthwash two to three times a day and waiting a bit after brushing if your toothpaste contains fluoride. —Violeta Valdés, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025

Ladapo also has argued that adding fluoride to public water is no longer necessary because toothpaste and mouthwash provide protection against tooth decay. —Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2025

Dissenters also say fluoride can be received from other sources other than water, such as toothpaste or mouthwash. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2025

The girl’s breath smelled of sleep, just slightly stale—no time for mouthwash, toothpaste, in her haste to see him. —Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mouthwash

• backwash
• downwash
• outwash
• panache
• whitewash
• bosh
• frosh
• gosh
• josh
• posh
• quash
• slosh

Kids Definition

mouthwash

noun

mouth·​wash ˈmau̇th-ˌwȯsh 

-ˌwäsh

: a liquid that usually kills germs and is used to clean the mouth and teeth and freshen the breath

Medical Definition

mouthwash

noun

mouth·​wash ˈmau̇th-ˌwȯsh, -ˌwäsh 

: a liquid preparation (as an antiseptic solution) for cleansing the mouth and teeth

called also collutorium