open-mouthed
adjective
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
Cite this Entry
“Open-mouthed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open-mouthed. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share