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

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

"Some studies favored chlorhexidine for maintaining higher plaque/salivary pH, while others reported garlic extract to be more effective at certain concentrations. However, garlic mouthwash may cause greater discomfort."

From Science Daily ● Dec. 8, 2025

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

He rinsed the soap out of his hair, brushed his teeth, and used the complimentary mouthwash to get rid of the cheese taste.

From "Small Steps" by Louis Sachar

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

"Antimicrobial mouthwashes constitute an essential adjunct element in oral and dental care, acting against oral diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses attacking oral hard or soft tissues," the review states.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 8, 2025

Xylitol in particular has been shown to be effective, and can be found in mouthwashes, toothpastes and sugar-free gums.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 21, 2022

“This is a step toward an answer about how mouthwashes do against this virus in this area of the body,” Akselrod said.

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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