word-of-mouth

1 of 2

adjective

: orally communicated
also : generated from or reliant on oral publicity
word-of-mouth customers
a word-of-mouth business

word of mouth

2 of 2

noun phrase

: oral communication
especially : oral often inadvertent publicity

Examples of word-of-mouth in a Sentence

Adjective not having the money to run ads, the restaurant relies on word-of-mouth publicity
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.
Adjective
Customer loyalty drives repeat sales, word-of-mouth referrals, and even upsell opportunities. Melissa Houston, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Additionally, providing a special deal can help generate word-of-mouth referrals as satisfied customers share their positive experiences. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2024
Noun phrase
The group has grown organically so far, through both the community dinners and word of mouth. Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Based at an airport in Hickory, North Carolina, the group formed with the help of social media and word of mouth among the pilot community, McSwain told CNN’s Omar Jimenez on Sunday. Brad Lendon, CNN, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for word-of-mouth 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1817, in the meaning defined above

Noun Phrase

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of word-of-mouth was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near word-of-mouth

word of honor

word-of-mouth

word of mouth

Cite this Entry

“Word-of-mouth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/word-of-mouth. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

word of mouth

: spoken communication
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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