toothless

adjective

tooth·​less ˈtüth-ləs How to pronounce toothless (audio)
1
: having no teeth
2
a
: lacking in sharpness or bite
spoke in toothless generalitiesArthur Hepner
b
: lacking in means of enforcement or coercion : ineffectual

Examples of toothless in a Sentence

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.
The toothless defense extended its NFL record drought to 13 straight games without an interception. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025 Six teams in Sunday’s early window failed to surpass 20 points — including the Los Angeles Rams, who beat the toothless Baltimore Ravens, 17-3. The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 Then the evil grin loses its enthusiasm, gradually working its way to a toothless pucker. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025 And as the years have gone on, the FEC has actually gone the other direction and become more and more toothless. Ashley Lopez, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for toothless

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of toothless was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Toothless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toothless. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

toothless

adjective
tooth·​less ˈtüth-ləs How to pronounce toothless (audio)
: having no teeth

More from Merriam-Webster on toothless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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