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
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.
Our third molars, also known as our wisdom teeth, either don’t develop, don’t erupt, or need to be yanked out. Sara Kiley Watson, Popular Science, 4 Feb. 2026 On her Instagram Stories, model, 29, shared a selfie of herself and her daughter, Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson, in the back of the car following a dental surgery to remove a wisdom tooth. Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025 Jenkins also said kids on TennCare often don't get approval to have their wisdom teeth removed. Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 8 Dec. 2025 Some people just naturally don’t ever grow wisdom teeth, some have wisdom teeth that don’t fit their jaws and need to be removed, and some have big, wide smiles with 32 teeth. Christina Nicholas, The Conversation, 10 Nov. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Wisdom tooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wisdom%20tooth. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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

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