Phrase guide

wash one's mouth out

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To stop using bad language, or atone for doing so.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, imperative, usually

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see wash out, mouth.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the formerly common practice of punishing children who have lied or used foul language by forcing them to wash their mouths using a cleansing substance, typically soap.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Russian: вымой свой рот с мылом (vymoj svoj rot s mylom) — literal use
  • Russian: вымой свой рот (vymoj svoj rot) — literal use
  • Russian: помой рот с мылом (pomoj rot s mylom) — literal use