wisdom tooth

noun

: the third molar that is the last tooth to erupt on each side of the upper and lower jaws in humans

Examples of wisdom tooth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Impaction is when something is preventing a tooth, usually a wisdom tooth, from growing in all the way. Sarah Hudgens, Health, 4 Oct. 2024 Wells first tried on himself, inhaling nitrous and having another dentist pull his own wisdom tooth. Oshan Jarow, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 When a wisdom tooth or a permanent tooth in a child begins to grow in, a pocket of tissue forms over the tooth. Sarah Hudgens, Health, 4 Oct. 2024 But that’s fine, Ashley is the one in pain, after her wisdom teeth are removed. Michael Schneider, Variety, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wisdom tooth 

Word History

Etymology

from being cut usually in the late teens

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wisdom tooth was in 1824

Dictionary Entries Near wisdom tooth

Cite this Entry

“Wisdom tooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wisdom%20tooth. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

wisdom tooth

noun
: the last tooth of the full set of teeth on each side of the upper and lower jaw in a human being

Medical Definition

wisdom tooth

noun
wis·​dom tooth ˈwiz-dəm- How to pronounce wisdom tooth (audio)
: the third molar that is the last tooth to erupt on each side of the upper and lower human jaw

More from Merriam-Webster on wisdom tooth

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!