poor-mouth

verb

ˈpu̇r-ˌmau̇t͟h How to pronounce poor-mouth (audio)
ˈpȯr-
-ˌmau̇th
poor-mouthed; poor-mouthing; poor-mouths
Synonyms of poor-mouthnext

intransitive verb

: to plead poverty as a defense or excuse

transitive verb

: to speak disparagingly of
poor-mouthed her family

Examples of poor-mouth in a Sentence

regardless of whatever is nominated, there'll be those who will poor-mouth the Oscar nominees

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1930, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of poor-mouth was circa 1930

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Poor-mouth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poor-mouth. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster