mouthwash

American  

[mauth-wawsh, -wosh] / ˈmaʊθˌwɔʃ, -ˌwɒʃ /

noun

• mouthwashes
  plural

1. a solution, often containing antiseptic, astringent, and breath-sweetening agents, used for cleansing the mouth and teeth, and for gargling.

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mouthwash British  

/ ˈmaʊθˌwɒʃ /

noun

1. a medicated aqueous solution, used for gargling and for cleansing the mouth

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• mouthwashes
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of mouthwash

First recorded in 1830–40; mouth + wash

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mouthwash mouthwashes

But they bought more chewing gum, mouthwash and hair dyes - products that counter common GLP-1 side effects like thinning hair and bad breath.

From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026

It found that chlorhexidine, an antiseptic mouthwash, disrupted nitrate processing and reduced gastric nitric oxide synthesis, while dietary nitrate supplementation partly preserved microbial function and nitric oxide related signaling during antiseptic use.

From Science Daily ● May 25, 2026

An opinion piece published Wednesday by La Vanguardia newspaper—owned by a close friend of Isak—said Jonathan’s arrest leaves “a bitter taste in the mouth that no toothpaste or mouthwash can wash away.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 20, 2026

All teeth yellow with time, and no amount of brushing and mouthwash can fix that—you’d have to have veneers or get bleach treatments, common choices for many Americans, particularly those in the public eye.

From Slate ● Jul. 15, 2025

I’ve already brushed my teeth six times, gargled mouthwash, and googled How do you know if you have old-man breath.

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

It is found in some consumer products like mouthwashes, but it is not meant to be swallowed in those instances.

From Salon ● Dec. 15, 2025

"Different antimicrobial mouthwashes, whether available over-the-counter or on prescription, can be used in the management of gingivitis, dental caries, periodontal diseases, halitosis, etc."

From Science Daily ● Dec. 8, 2025

The store also offers refills for skin-care products, mouthwashes, body lotions, soaps and toothpastes.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 15, 2022

The trial, which is not yet accepting participants, will test four mouthwashes, including CloSys, Oral-B Mouth Sore, Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection and Listerine.

From Washington Post ● Oct. 22, 2020

But generally, if you’re getting regular cleanings in-office and perhaps the occasional whitening treatment, at-home toothpastes, gels, and mouthwashes can be very helpful for maintaining your pearly whites.

From Slate ● Oct. 15, 2018

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