mouthing

word · lemma: mouth

Definition

Moving your lips to form words without actually making a sound. Often used to send a message silently or to imitate speaking.

Usage & Nuances

Commonly used in phrases like 'mouthing the words' or 'mouthing along to a song.' Implies silent or near-silent movement. Not the same as speaking softly—no actual sound. Sometimes refers to mocking or imitating what others say.

Spanish: murmurar (sin emitir sonido) - articular con la bocaPortuguese (BR): articular com a boca - murmurar (sem som)Portuguese (PT): articular com a boca - murmurar (sem som)Chinese (Simplified): 用口型说 - 默念（无声地说）Chinese (Traditional): 用口型說 - 默念（無聲地說）Hindi: होठों से बोलना (बिना आवाज के)Arabic: تحريك الشفاه (بدون إصدار صوت)Bengali: ঠোঁট নেড়ে কথা বলা - নিঃশব্দে কিছু বলাRussian: беззвучно шевелить губами - молча артикулироватьJapanese: 口パクするVietnamese: mấp máy môi - nói nhépKorean: 입 모양만 따라하다 - 입술만 움직이다Turkish: sessizce dudak oynatmak - dudaklarıyla söylemekUrdu: ہونٹ ہلانا (آواز کے بغیر)Indonesian: menggerakkan bibir tanpa suara - lipsync

Example Sentences

Stop mouthing and speak up so I can hear you.

basic

The child is mouthing 'thank you' to her teacher.

basic

She was mouthing the lyrics during the concert.

basic

He kept mouthing words at me from across the room, trying to get my attention.

natural

She was just mouthing along to the song—she didn't really know the words.

natural

I couldn't tell what he was saying—he was just mouthing something under his breath.

natural