mustache

noun

mus·​tache ˈmə-ˌstash  (ˌ)mə-ˈstash 

variants or less commonly moustache

1

: the hair growing on the human upper lip

especially : such hair grown and often trimmed in a particular style

his long mustache combed and waxed

—Henry Petroski

2

: hair or bristles about the mouth of a mammal

mustached adjective

or less commonly moustached

ˈmə-ˌstasht 

(ˌ)mə-ˈstasht

Examples of mustache in a Sentence

He used a small pair of scissors to trim his mustache.

He decided to grow a mustache.

The actor was wearing a false mustache.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the clip, which has amassed more than 1 million views since Clement posted it this week, her brother can be seen wearing a fake mustache, sun glasses and a hat. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024

The color drawing showed a man in a royal blue San Diego Chargers jersey with thick brown hair and a thick mustache. —Austin Knoblauch, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024

To prepare, Scott grew a pencil mustache, rented a zoot suit, and studied classic screwball comedies. —Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024

While Cormac’s less than intimidated by Houlihan even while stuck in a body cast, his entire misogynist demeanor changes once Fergal’s mustache enters the room. —Caroline Framke, Vulture, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French moustache, from Old Italian mustaccio, from Middle Greek moustaki, diminutive of Greek mystak-, mystax upper lip, mustache

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mustache

• Fu Manchu mustache
• handlebar mustache

Kids Definition

mustache

noun

mus·​tache

variants also moustache

ˈməs-ˌtash,

(ˌ)məs-ˈtash

1

: the hair growing on the human upper lip

2

: hair or bristles about the mouth of a mammal (as a walrus)