word-of-mouth

1 of 2

adjective

ˌwərd-ə(v)-ˈmau̇th 

: orally communicated

also : generated from or reliant on oral publicity

word-of-mouth customers

a word-of-mouth business

word of mouth

2 of 2

noun phrase

: oral communication

especially : oral often inadvertent publicity

Synonyms of word-of-mouth

Adjective

• oral
• verbal

Examples of word-of-mouth in a Sentence

Adjective

not having the money to run ads, the restaurant relies on word-of-mouth publicity

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In the 1990s and 2000s, Sundance was an offbeat destination for Hollywood’s creative talent, rejecting the glitz of European festivals and the solemnity of awards season in favor of strong movies that garnered word-of-mouth interest. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026

Butler has grown her business through the help of social media, word-of-mouth and selling wholesale on a platform called Faire, where businesses across the country can find her products and order from her. —Noelle Alviz-Gransee february 6, Kansas City Star, 6 Feb. 2026

Noun phrase

Aside from money, Cornyn is hoping word of mouth will help. —Jack Fink, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026

Chalamet was vital in drumming up the momentum for the original film, which remained a theatrical draw due to rave reviews and stellar word of mouth. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 8 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1817, in the meaning defined above

Noun Phrase

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

word of mouth

: spoken communication