mouthwash

American  

[mouth-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

Etymology

Origin of mouthwash

First recorded in 1830–40; mouth + wash

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

"The effectiveness varied based on mouthwash concentration and duration of application, contributing to differences in outcomes," the review noted.

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

Which brand of mouthwash do you usually use?

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy

"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

In the UK, antiseptic mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine are commonly used to treat dental plaque and gum disease.

From Salon ● Jan. 30, 2024

The store also offers refills for skin-care products, mouthwashes, body lotions, soaps and toothpastes.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 15, 2022

The trial, which is not yet accepting participants, will test four mouthwashes, including CloSys, Oral-B Mouth Sore, Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection and Listerine.

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