toothbrush

American  

[tooth-bruhsh] / ˈtuθˌbrʌʃ /

noun

1. a small brush with a long handle, for cleaning the teeth. tooth.

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toothbrush British  

/ ˈtuːθˌbrʌʃ /

noun

1. a small brush, usually with a long handle, for cleaning the teeth

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Etymology

Origin of toothbrush

First recorded in 1645–55; tooth + brush ¹

Example Sentences

Jonah jerked his toothbrush back and forth across his teeth with unusual force.

From Literature

I changed my dirty shirt in the McDonald’s bathroom, but my toothbrush and toothpaste were buried too deep inside the suitcase.

From Literature

Not her backpack or clothes or toothbrush or her favorite hair ribbon.

From Literature

“What? Clean the toilets with a toothbrush?” he retorted.

From Literature

She cleans their teeth with an electric toothbrush, a dental tool for plaque and a breath-freshener spray.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• broom