toothing

noun

tooth·​ing

ˈtüthiŋ,

-üt͟h-,

-ēŋ

plural -s

1

a

: an arrangement, formation, or projection consisting of or containing teeth or parts resembling teeth : indentation, serration

b

: an arrangement of bricks alternately projecting at the end of a wall to permit bonding into a later continuation of the wall

2

: the act or process of furnishing with teeth or a tooth

Word History

Etymology

in sense 1, from tooth entry 1 + -ing; in sense 2, from gerund of tooth entry 2

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!