word-of-mouth

1 of 2

adjective

ˌwərd-ə(v)-ˈmau̇th 

: 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

Synonyms

Adjective

• nuncupative
• oral
• spoken
• unwritten
• verbal
• viva voce

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

Adjective

The footprint expanded over time to accommodate its word-of-mouth local popularity and ever-lengthening waiting list. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2025

Yet, many entrepreneurs rush the broker selection process, relying on word-of-mouth referrals, skipping due diligence, and signing agreements without fully understanding the terms. —Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Noun phrase

The Impact Of Online Reviews For Consumer Decision Making Online reviews serve as a modernized form of word of mouth wherein the goal of online reviews is to reduce uncertainty about a service or product, which encourages customers to adopt such products or services. —Branden Abushanab, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025

Thanks to word of mouth, one of Goodyear's friends spotted a person matching the description Goodyear offered and got the license plate number of the person's vehicle. —Doc Louallen, ABC News, 18 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1817, in the meaning defined above

Noun Phrase

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

word of mouth

: spoken communication