teeth

American  

[teeth] / tiθ /

noun

1. plural of tooth.

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teeth British  

/ tiːθ /

noun

1. the plural of tooth

2. the most violent part

   the teeth of the gale

3. the power to produce a desired effect

   that law has no teeth

4. See skin

5. to become engrossed in

6. in direct opposition to; against

   in the teeth of violent criticism he went ahead with his plan

7. to threaten, esp in a defensive manner

8. to the greatest possible degree

   armed to the teeth

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teeth Idioms  

1. see armed to the teeth; bare one's teeth; by the skin of one's teeth; cut one's teeth on; fed to the gills (teeth); fly in the face (teeth) of; give one's eyeteeth; gnash one's teeth; grit one's teeth; in the teeth of; kick in the pants (teeth); lie through one's teeth; like pulling teeth; scarce as hen's teeth; set one's teeth on edge; sink one's teeth into; to the teeth. Also see under tooth.

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Other Word Forms

• teethless adjective

Explanation

Your teeth are the pearly white things in your mouth that show when you smile. Don't forget to brush your teeth before bed. (You should also floss, while you're at it.) Many animals have teeth, from herbivores like cows to carnivores like wolves and lions that use their sharp teeth to tear meat (as well as for hunting and to defend themselves). Humans get two full sets of teeth in their lifetime — first baby teeth that fall out and then the adult teeth that replace them. Other animals, like sharks, regularly grow new sets to replace worn teeth.

Example Sentences

Several people are arrested every year selling or buying tiger hides, teeth, claws and bones, prized in traditional Chinese medicine.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Having more than just teeth allowed researchers to estimate the animal's size, body structure, and likely movement.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

This jacket’s worth more than my teeth — same thing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

He had false teeth and an American flag baseball cap.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Beside me Regan raised her hand again, and I ground my teeth into my lip as she spotted the discrepancy in the professor’s hairstyle.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin