variants or less commonly openmouthed
1
a
: having the mouth open
… bizarre touches such as fireplaces in the form of huge, open-mouthed, monstrous faces. Deborah Howard
especially : having the mouth open in an expression of shock, surprise, etc.
The crowd stood open-mouthed with murmurs of wonder … Gutzon Borglum
It was an incredible display of batting which left cricket fans … open-mouthed with astonishment. dailymail.co.uk
… you'll find the robot working away before an audience of openmouthed viewers. Edwards Park
b
: made or done with the mouth open
an open-mouthed yawn
If any open-mouthed kissing is involved in a role, the actor must be informed of this at the audition phase. Monty Brower
c
: causing an open-mouthed expression (as of shock or surprise)
[Jennifer] Capriati stared in openmouthed wonder at the sight of so many grown-ups acting like kids. S. L. Price
2
of a container : having a wide opening : wide-mouthed
open-mouthed jars
3
: clamorous, vociferous
It is certain that the ladies of this city … are all open-mouthed against the murderers of a sovereign … Thomas Jefferson
… if all I have said seems to you but mere open-mouthed praise of these arts, I must say that it is not for nothing that what I have hitherto put before you has taken that form. William Morris

Examples of open-mouthed in a Sentence

I stood there open-mouthed, unable to believe what I was seeing. the stunning view from the mountaintop left us open-mouthed and at a loss for words
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.
The ancient Mesoamerican puppets date back between 410 and 380 B.C. Pictures show the puppets possessing eerie open-mouthed facial expressions. Andrea Margolis, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025 There were two moments in the second half that left everyone in the Villa Park open-mouthed. Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of open-mouthed was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Open-mouthed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open-mouthed. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
: having the mouth wide open
2
: struck with amazement or wonder

More from Merriam-Webster on open-mouthed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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