mustache

noun

mus·​tache ˈmə-ˌstash  (ˌ)mə-ˈstash 

variants or less commonly moustache

1

: the hair growing on the human upper lip

especially : such hair grown and often trimmed in a particular style

his long mustache combed and waxed

—Henry Petroski

2

: hair or bristles about the mouth of a mammal

mustached adjective

or less commonly moustached

ˈmə-ˌstasht 

(ˌ)mə-ˈstasht

Examples of mustache in a Sentence

He used a small pair of scissors to trim his mustache.

He decided to grow a mustache.

The actor was wearing a false mustache.

Recent Examples on the Web

The walls are lined with photos of men with impressive mustaches — his grandfather, uncles and a relative who fought French colonialists in Syria a century ago. —Hadeel Al-Shalchi, NPR, 23 Jan. 2025

Marcello Hernández, how about Domingo has a mustache next time? —Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2025

Newcombe, known for his Salvador Dali-type mustache and charismatic personality, possessed a powerful serve that propelled him to the net with ease. —Cindy Shmerler, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025

Chalamet sported a black tux with a navy blue scarf (plus the mustache, of course), while Jenner wore a silver, sparkly dress. —David Oliver, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French moustache, from Old Italian mustaccio, from Middle Greek moustaki, diminutive of Greek mystak-, mystax upper lip, mustache

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mustache

• Fu Manchu mustache
• handlebar mustache

Kids Definition

mustache

noun

mus·​tache

variants also moustache

ˈməs-ˌtash,

(ˌ)məs-ˈtash

1

: the hair growing on the human upper lip

2

: hair or bristles about the mouth of a mammal (as a walrus)