variants or less commonly openmouthed
1
a
: having the mouth open
… bizarre touches such as fireplaces in the form of huge, open-mouthed, monstrous faces.Deborah Howard
especially : having the mouth open in an expression of shock, surprise, etc.
The crowd stood open-mouthed with murmurs of wonder … Gutzon Borglum
It was an incredible display of batting which left cricket fans … open-mouthed with astonishment. dailymail.co.uk
… you'll find the robot working away before an audience of openmouthed viewers. Edwards Park
b
: made or done with the mouth open
an open-mouthed yawn
If any open-mouthed kissing is involved in a role, the actor must be informed of this at the audition phase.Monty Brower
c
: causing an open-mouthed expression (as of shock or surprise)
[Jennifer] Capriati stared in openmouthed wonder at the sight of so many grown-ups acting like kids.S. L. Price
2
of a container : having a wide opening : wide-mouthed
open-mouthed jars
3
: clamorous, vociferous
It is certain that the ladies of this city … are all open-mouthed against the murderers of a sovereign …Thomas Jefferson
… if all I have said seems to you but mere open-mouthed praise of these arts, I must say that it is not for nothing that what I have hitherto put before you has taken that form.William Morris
openmouthedness noun

Example Sentences

I stood there open-mouthed, unable to believe what I was seeing. the stunning view from the mountaintop left us open-mouthed and at a loss for words
Recent Examples on the Web Sandler nervously asks his open-mouthed co-star. Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 30 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'open-mouthed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of open-mouthed was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near open-mouthed

Cite this Entry

“Open-mouthed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open-mouthed. Accessed 6 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

openmouthed

adjective
1
: having the mouth wide open
2
: struck with amazement or wonder

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