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Do you sometimes find yourself trying to describe a concept or phenomenon for which you don't have a word? In such cases, it is not unusual for people to coin neologisms (new words or expressions) to describe such concepts or phenomena - the pink glow on the underside of gray clouds right before sunset, for example, or the sensation created in the mouth by a particular item of food or drink. Indeed, this latter concept has already been given a name, "mouthfeel," a simple combination of "mouth" and "feel" that can be used to describe the creamy warmth of a mushroom soup or the dry, velvety sensation of a pinot noir. This coinage is relatively new; its earliest known use dates back only to 1951.
Examples of mouthfeel in a Sentence
Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Arak, by contrast, is clear and dry, similar in flavor and mouthfeel to Japanese sake.
—Geoff Childs, The Conversation, 1 May 2026
They can be topped in a variety of ways, and are often enriched with butter or cream for a luxurious mouthfeel and flavor.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
Tasting whisky involves a combination of sensations, including the nose, palate, mouthfeel, and finish.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mouthfeel
Cite this Entry
“Mouthfeel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mouthfeel. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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