muzzle

1 of 3

noun (1)

muz·​zle ˈmə-zəl 

1

: the projecting jaws and nose of an animal : snout

2

a

: a fastening or covering for the mouth of an animal used to prevent eating or biting

b

: something (such as censorship) that restrains normal expression

3

: the open end of an implement

especially : the discharging end of a weapon

Illustration of muzzle

• muzzle 2a

muzzle

2 of 3

verb

muzzled; muzzling ˈməz-liŋ 

ˈmə-zə-

transitive verb

1

: to fit with a muzzle

2

a

: gag

muzzled the regime's critics

b

: restrain, restrict

… the Pentagon's efforts to muzzle press access.

—Joe Strupp

the low prices muzzled competition

muzzler

ˈməz-lər 

ˈmə-zə-

noun

muzzler

3 of 3

noun (2)

muz·​zler ˈməz(ə)lə(r) 

plural -s

1

: one that muzzles

2

: a head-on wind

Examples of muzzle in a Sentence

Verb

a dangerous dog that should be muzzled

attempts by the government to muzzle the press

The company has tried to muzzle its employees by forbidding them to speak to the press.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Hopkins wore this orange prison uniform, straitjacket and muzzle when Lecter is transported under heavy security, strapped upright to a hand truck. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Making her first Fat Bear Week appearance, this small adult female has a long muzzle and grizzled light brown fur. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

Verb

This attempt by Israel to muzzle hope and stifle joy keeps repeating itself in all aspects of Palestinian life. — Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026

There was no gunshot stippling, soot, or muzzle imprint on the wound, indicating he was shot at range. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English mosel, from Middle French musel, from Old French *mus mouth of an animal, from Medieval Latin musus

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for muzzle

• puzzle

Kids Definition

muzzle

1 of 2 noun

muz·​zle ˈməz-əl 

1

: the nose and jaws of an animal : snout

2

: a covering for the mouth and jaws of an animal used to keep it from eating or biting

3

: the open end of a weapon from which the missile is fired

muzzle

2 of 2 verb

muzzled; muzzling ˈməz-(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to put a muzzle on

2

: to prevent free or normal expression by : gag

the dictator muzzled the press

Medical Definition

muzzle

1 of 2 noun

muz·​zle ˈməz-əl 

1

: the projecting jaws and nose of an animal : snout

2

: a fastening or covering for the mouth of an animal used to prevent eating or biting

muzzle

2 of 2 transitive verb

muzzled; muzzling -(ə-)liŋ 

: to fit with a muzzle