mealy-mouthed
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of mealy-mouthed
First recorded in 1565–75; mealy ( def. ) + mouthed ( def. )
Vocabulary lists containing mealy-mouthed
Vocabulary Video Contest (2013) - List 1
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2014 Vocabulary Video Contest (M-Z)
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Vocab Video Contest (2016) - List 4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Commenting on the peace deal, she offers a verdict that would put to shame many of Europe’s more mealy-mouthed leaders.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2025
The mealy-mouthed title of Raimi’s “Doctor Strange” sequel itself references one of the biggest problems with contemporary superhero filmmaking: Everything exists within a universe, and inside that universe, anything is possible.
From Salon ● Jul. 25, 2025
"The apologies we've had from the Post Office have been so mealy-mouthed, not thought through, and really not sincere."
From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2025
As for Hollywood’s answer to Oval Office sycophants, Paul W. Downs works wonders as a mealy-mouthed comedy agent in ‘Hacks.’
From Los Angeles Times ● May 23, 2025
“That’s for Chestnutt! And that’s for Ayanna! And that’s for having the nerve to throw rocks at the throne, chump! You no good, mealy-mouthed, dandelion-faced thistle-head!”
From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
