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

Several studies have shown that mouthwashes made with pomegranate can lower bacteria linked to gum disease. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 12 Nov. 2025

The combined company will have a huge stable of household brands under one roof, putting Kenvue’s Listerine mouthwash and Band-Aid side-by-side with Kimberly-Clark’s Cottonelle toilet paper, Huggies and Kleenex tissues. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025

Popular products that use fluoride include toothpaste and mouthwash, which incorporate the mineral to reduce bacteria in the mouth and reduce chances of cavities. —Surina Venkat, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2025

The fine morin powder can be incorporated into oral hygiene products such as toothpaste or mouthwash, according to Brighenti. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 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