mouthful

noun

mouth·​ful ˈmau̇th-ˌfu̇l 

1

a

: as much as a mouth will hold

a mouthful of food/water

b

: the quantity usually taken into the mouth at one time

were satisfied after a few more mouthfuls

2

: a small quantity

only given a mouthful of food

3

a

: a very long word or phrase

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. A mouthful that makes much more sense when broken down.

—Tony Dajer

b

: a comment or a statement rich in meaning or substance

"Duddy can do anything," Virgil said. "You said a mouthful, kid."

—Mordecai Richler

Synonyms of mouthful

• bite
• taste
• nibble

Examples of mouthful in a Sentence

It was a delicious meal. We enjoyed every mouthful.

His last name is a real mouthful.

Recent Examples on the Web

But cases are on the rise as more people report symptoms such as hives, diarrhea and itchiness after eating as little as a mouthful of meat and — in some cases — dairy. —Matthew Perrone, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026

But cases are on the rise as more people report symptoms such as hives, diarrhea and itchiness after eating as little as a mouthful of meat and — in some cases — dairy. —Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 13 June 2026

As the snakes leap, jump and slither in a bid to escape, Kennedy manages to grab one in each hand, narrowly dodging their attempts to snag a mouthful of his skin. —Drew Pittock, USA Today, 28 May 2026

The new mouthful of a name is Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 8 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing mouthful

• say a mouthful

Rhymes for mouthful

• brimful
• handful
• mirthful
• roomful
• spoonful
• full
• pull
• wool

Kids Definition

mouthful

noun

mouth·​ful ˈmau̇th-ˌfu̇l 

1

a

: as much as a mouth will hold

b

: the amount put into the mouth at one time

2

: a small quantity

3

a

: a word or phrase that is very long or difficult to say

b

: a comment or remark that is rich in meaning

you said a mouthful