tooth

word

/ˈtuθ/
tooth
/tˈuːθ/
tooth

Definition

A tooth is one of the hard white parts in your mouth that you use for biting and chewing food. It can also refer to a pointed part on a tool, comb, or gear.

Usage & Nuances

The plural is irregular: 'teeth', not 'tooths'. Common collocations include 'brush your teeth', 'toothache', 'baby tooth', and 'wisdom tooth'. In everyday English, it is usually used for the body part; the tool/gear meaning appears in more specific contexts.

Example Sentences

I have a loose tooth.

basic

The child lost a tooth at school.

basic

This comb has one broken tooth.

basic

I chipped a tooth eating popcorn last night.

natural

That cold drink sent a sharp pain through my tooth.

natural

The dentist says the tooth can still be saved.

natural