muttonchops

American  

[muht-n-chops] / ˈmʌt nˌtʃɒps /

plural noun

1. side whiskers that are narrow at the temples and broad and trimmed short at the jawline, the chin being shaved both in front and beneath.

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muttonchops British  

/ ˈmʌtənˌtʃɒps /

plural noun

1. side whiskers trimmed in the shape of chops, widening out from the temples

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Etymology

Origin of muttonchops

1860–65; mutton ¹ + chop ¹ + -s ³; so called from their shape

Example Sentences

Asked to elaborate on his character’s gold tooth and muttonchops that made some fans apoplectic—No, they cried, Heathcliff must be hotter!—his patience seems tested.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 30, 2025

Others turn side to side, offering profile views: muttonchops, stripes.

From The New Yorker • Mar. 14, 2019

“And this is the man who received this bible,” he said, tapping a finger on a photo of a man with thick muttonchops and a furrowed brow.

From New York Times • Jun. 7, 2018

Meanwhile, the whole office has gone hairy, with more mustaches, muttonchops, and full beards than Pete could shake a pale, hairless jowl at.

From Time • Apr. 8, 2013

No muttonchops; in fact, not much hair at all.

From "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli