muzzle

1 of 2

noun

muz·​zle ˈmə-zəl 

1

: the projecting jaws and nose of an animal : snout

2

a

: a fastening or covering for the mouth of an animal used to prevent eating or biting

b

: something (such as censorship) that restrains normal expression

3

: the open end of an implement

especially : the discharging end of a weapon

Illustration of muzzle

• muzzle 2a

muzzle

2 of 2

verb

muzzled; muzzling ˈməz-liŋ 

ˈmə-zə-

transitive verb

1

: to fit with a muzzle

2

a

: gag

muzzled the regime's critics

b

: restrain, restrict

the Pentagon's efforts to muzzle press access

—Joe Strupp

the low prices muzzled competition

muzzler

ˈməz-lər 

ˈmə-zə-

noun

Examples of muzzle in a Sentence

Verb

a dangerous dog that should be muzzled

attempts by the government to muzzle the press

The company has tried to muzzle its employees by forbidding them to speak to the press.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Finally, in one photo, a wolf looks directly at the camera, its muzzle dusted in pollen. —Ari Daniel, NPR, 7 Dec. 2024

Native to West-Central Africa, the mandrill is an Old World monkey known for its colorful face, featuring bright blue and red skin on its muzzle and buttocks. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 4 Oct. 2024

Verb

Jamie tries to muzzle the inebriated Claire, and Willoughby finally gets the hint. —Amy Wilkinson, Vulture, 23 Nov. 2024

When the Eva goes berserk, it’s revealed to have gnashing white teeth, a jawline that its armor previously hid and muzzled. —Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English mosel, from Middle French musel, from Old French *mus mouth of an animal, from Medieval Latin musus

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

muzzle

1 of 2 noun

muz·​zle ˈməz-əl 

1

: the nose and jaws of an animal : snout

2

: a covering for the mouth and jaws of an animal used to keep it from eating or biting

3

: the open end of a weapon from which the missile is fired

muzzle

2 of 2 verb

muzzled; muzzling ˈməz-(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to put a muzzle on

2

: to prevent free or normal expression by : gag

the dictator muzzled the press

Medical Definition

muzzle

1 of 2 noun

muz·​zle ˈməz-əl 

1

: the projecting jaws and nose of an animal : snout

2

: a fastening or covering for the mouth of an animal used to prevent eating or biting

muzzle

2 of 2 transitive verb

muzzled; muzzling -(ə-)liŋ 

: to fit with a muzzle