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

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

Overall, the authors found that higher concentrations of garlic extract mouthwash showed antimicrobial results similar to those of chlorhexidine.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 8, 2025

We all think we know how to brush our teeth - a scrub morning and night, a rinse with water and maybe a minty mouthwash for good measure.

From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2025

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

When the plump one, sitting next to Richard, began to talk about his first visit to Biafra at the beginning of the war, Richard thought he needed mouthwash, too.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

"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

For example, a 2020 study found Listerine, Iso-Betadine, and Dequonal mouthwashes might decrease the viral load of saliva, thus lowering the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

From Salon ● Sep. 29, 2021

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

“One survey last year, conducted by Dental Survey magazine,” The Post noted in 1964, “listed the product No. 6 among approximately 105 commercial mouthwashes which dentists recommend to their patients.”

From Washington Post ● Feb. 5, 2017

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