word-of-mouth

1 of 2

adjective

: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Long reliant on spreadsheets and word-of-mouth recommendations, these properties are now leaning on artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations, sharpen pricing and keep their personal touch while staying competitive in a crowded market. Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 In its first year, the company scaled from just three clients to over one hundred, entirely through word-of-mouth referrals. Wyles Daniel, AZCentral.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun phrase
Opening Smashing Machine in 3,345 locations is a far more aggressive move, although sources say A24 remains confident that the film will find its stride as word of mouth grows and becomes more positive. Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2025 Boyle is a great example of what Carthy was talking about, the originator of an oral history and a certain type of folk song, passed by word of mouth around a fanbase and through generations. Nick Miller, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for word-of-mouth

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1817, in the meaning defined above

Noun Phrase

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of word-of-mouth was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Word-of-mouth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/word-of-mouth. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

word of mouth

: spoken communication
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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