mouthwash

American  

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

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of mouthwash

First recorded in 1830–40; mouth + wash

Example Sentences

Mouthwash could kill the virus in the lab, a study found.

From BBC • May 19, 2022

At any rate, when it comes to the flossing debacle, it seems possible that mixing the Big Floss–funded research with the Big Mouthwash simply cancels each other out.

From Slate • Aug. 4, 2016

Mouthwash rinses are not good for initial screening, because only about half of all cancer victims ever have viral DNA in their rinse samples, even before diagnosis.

From New York Times • Aug. 17, 2015

By the end of the night, the constant reminders to buy something new to drive were replaced by well-timed advertising for a Sleep Number bed and Act Restoring Mouthwash.

From The Verge • Nov. 13, 2014

My uncle's last addition to the Tono-Bungay group was the Tono-Bungay Mouthwash.

From Tono Bungay by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)