Did you know?
Do you sometimes find yourself trying to describe a concept or phenomenon for which you don't have a word? In such cases, it is not unusual for people to coin neologisms (new words or expressions) to describe such concepts or phenomena - the pink glow on the underside of gray clouds right before sunset, for example, or the sensation created in the mouth by a particular item of food or drink. Indeed, this latter concept has already been given a name, "mouthfeel," a simple combination of "mouth" and "feel" that can be used to describe the creamy warmth of a mushroom soup or the dry, velvety sensation of a pinot noir. This coinage is relatively new; its earliest known use dates back only to 1951.
Examples of mouthfeel in a Sentence
Nicole Hopper, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2024
The Judging Panel described the Reposado as expressing: A smooth mouthfeel with mellow, slightly spiced notes of green agave, earthy wet stone, and black pepper, while hints of caramel, cooked agave, honey, tobacco, and cherry add complexity, rounded out by a subtle oak finish.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
On the palate, notes of fresh tobacco, tart citrus and white cedar are accompanied by a remarkable silken mouthfeel.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 27 Nov. 2024
Pears contain a not easily fermentable sugar called sorbitol, which gives a characteristically round mouthfeel and lingering sweetness.
—Beth Demmon, Bon Appétit, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for mouthfeel 
Dictionary Entries Near mouthfeel
Cite this Entry
“Mouthfeel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mouthfeel. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
Copy Citation
Share