word of mouth

noun

1. informal oral communication.

   The rumor spread rapidly by word of mouth.

Other Word Forms

• word-of-mouth adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of word of mouth¹

First recorded in 1545–55

Example Sentences

It’s traveling via word of mouth, theorizes Smith, because people today are increasingly searching for “connection and meaning.”

From Los Angeles Times

These circuits, she explained, are considered informal because artists have learned about these spots, or were contracted by these smaller venues, through word of mouth.

From Los Angeles Times

But over the summer the film gained momentum through word of mouth, boosted by viral videos and memes on social media.

From BBC

It works with a wide range of nationalities, particularly from Iraq and Africa, and seems to rely for business on reputation and word of mouth.

From BBC

Produced for $40 and promoted by word of mouth, the cover image was of Lehrer in hell playing piano as the devil.

From Los Angeles Times