toothless

adjective

tooth·​less ˈtüth-ləs How to pronounce toothless (audio)
1
: having no teeth
2
a
: lacking in sharpness or bite
spoke in toothless generalitiesArthur Hepner
b
: lacking in means of enforcement or coercion : ineffectual

Examples of toothless in a Sentence

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.
Liverpool’s toothless possession Slot’s assessment of Liverpool’s attacking play in September’s game was blunt. Andy Jones, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025 But Schwartzman also sees several of Carr's statements as being toothless. Ars Technica, 17 Dec. 2024 Reason for Ranking: The plot of this sort-of Pacific Rim riff is timely, that’s for sure, but the satire is toothless. Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024 Advertisement Since state waters extend just three miles offshore, restrictions passed by California, Washington, Oregon and Hawaii are largely toothless. Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for toothless 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of toothless was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near toothless

Cite this Entry

“Toothless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toothless. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

toothless

adjective
tooth·​less ˈtüth-ləs How to pronounce toothless (audio)
: having no teeth

More from Merriam-Webster on toothless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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