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

Use a lazy Susan on the bathroom countertop to corral deodorant, sunscreen, and mouthwash. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2025

The Rockies celebrated in traditional baseball fashion, taking Schaeffer to the shower where he was doused with shaving cream, mouthwash, and shampoo. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 17 May 2025

Fluoride is also present in modern toothpaste, mouthwash, dental varnish, and some food and drinks — like raisins, potatoes, oatmeal, coffee, and black tea. —Tribune News Service, Twin Cities, 1 Apr. 2025

Polyvinyl chloride, or, PVC, can be found in plastic pipes and bottles of cooking oil and mouthwash. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 29 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