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Synonyms

toothy

American  
[too-thee, -thee] / ˈtu θi, -ði /

adjective

toothier, toothiest

  1. having or displaying conspicuous teeth.

    a toothy smile.

  2. savory; appetizing; toothsome.

  3. possessing a rough surface.

    toothy paper.

  4. Archaic. sharp or caustic.

    toothy commentary.
toothy British  
/ ˈtuːθɪ /

adjective

  1. having or showing numerous, large, or projecting teeth

    a toothy grin
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • toothily adverb
  • toothiness noun

Etymology

Origin of toothy

First recorded in 1520–30; tooth + -y 1

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.

The adventurers reckon that they’re probably safe because it’s off-season for the toothy beasts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

But since we know what that toothy nemesis is capable of, we almost feel sorry for the soldiers-for-hire that go up against it.

From Salon • Aug. 5, 2025

Bertrand’s a tall, earnest fellow with a shaved head, a mustache, and a toothy grin.

From Slate • Jul. 7, 2025

The president touched his heart, and stood a little straighter at the lectern, flashing a toothy smile as the crowd continued to cheer.

From BBC • Aug. 20, 2024

The chimp flashes a toothy smile and kisses me on the cheek.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

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.