word-of-mouth

1 of 2

adjective

: orally communicated
also : generated from or reliant on oral publicity
word-of-mouth customers
a word-of-mouth business

word of mouth

2 of 2

noun phrase

: oral communication
especially : oral often inadvertent publicity

Examples of word-of-mouth in a Sentence

Adjective not having the money to run ads, the restaurant relies on word-of-mouth publicity
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.
Adjective
The footprint expanded over time to accommodate its word-of-mouth local popularity and ever-lengthening waiting list. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2025 Yet, many entrepreneurs rush the broker selection process, relying on word-of-mouth referrals, skipping due diligence, and signing agreements without fully understanding the terms. Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun phrase
With strong word of mouth, the film by Roshan Sethi was up Friday (5%) and Saturday (2%) from opening first weekend. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2025 The product has grown organically thanks to word of mouth between doctors, Nadler said. Kate Rooney, CNBC, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for word-of-mouth

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1817, in the meaning defined above

Noun Phrase

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of word-of-mouth was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Word-of-mouth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/word-of-mouth. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

word of mouth

: spoken communication
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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