toothless
Americanadjective
-
lacking teeth.
-
without a serrated edge, as a saw.
-
lacking in force or sharpness; dull; ineffectual.
a toothless argument.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of toothless
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at tooth, -less
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
By rendering the subpoena a nullity, McElroy left O’Connor nothing to enforce, making his earlier order toothless.
From Slate • May 19, 2026
Standing about 25 inches tall, it likely had a toothless beak, large eye sockets, and hollow bones.
From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026
They are lulled into a smug confidence that his threats will always be toothless bluster.
From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026
Along with the facial injuries came a toothless grin -- something he explained was not caused by Thursday's tumble.
From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026
The woman flashed a toothless smile, then let her enter.
From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
