halitosis

noun

hal·​i·​to·​sis ˌha-lə-ˈtō-səs How to pronounce halitosis (audio)
: a condition of having fetid breath

Examples of halitosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There's no clear reason why the two are connected, except that problems with digestion may lead to halitosis. — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 28 Mar. 2025 The foods that cause halitosis will be different from person to person. — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin halitus breath, from halare to breathe — more at exhale

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of halitosis was in 1874

Rhymes for halitosis

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Browse Nearby Words

Halitherium
halitosis
hall
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Cite this Entry

“Halitosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halitosis. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

halitosis

noun
hal·​i·​to·​sis ˌhal-ə-ˈtō-səs How to pronounce halitosis (audio)
plural halitoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce halitosis (audio)
: a condition of having fetid breath
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