word of mouth

American  

noun

1. informal oral communication.

   The rumor spread rapidly by word of mouth.

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Other Word Forms

• word-of-mouth adjective

Etymology

Origin of word of mouth

First recorded in 1545–55

Example Sentences

Some have been sold to local people through word of mouth, but he said he just wanted to keep making his creations for a hobby.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

That’s why it pays to identify aides through word of mouth who, even if they are not available now, might be available later.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

He publishes with a small press to little notice, yet word of mouth helps the book sell out its first edition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

"It's just word of mouth," said Musab, 34, an entrepreneur.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

Bennett’s database has grown to about five thousand names gathered by word of mouth alone.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times