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

In November, Hsu surprised the industry and investors by announcing that his company would purchase Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol painkillers, Listerine mouthwash and Neutrogena skincare products, for more than $40 billion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

His Croydon store, with a colourful Christmas aisle, is bustling on a weekend visit with queues for the tills as shoppers stock up on mouthwash, washing up liquid, sweets and batteries.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 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

I felt little emotion, laser-focused on finding a place for our family to live and procuring essentials: toothbrushes, mouthwash, underwear and sneakers.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 9, 2025

My sneakers squeaked as I wove through the sea of lotions, mouthwash, and nail polish on the floor.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken