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Definition of mouthguard

mouthguard

/ˈmaʊθ.ɡɑːrd/
mouth · guard
Plural:mouthguards
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mouthguard Lexical Profile

mouthguard Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A protective device that covers the teeth and gums to prevent injury, typically worn during contact sports.

Example

"The hockey player adjusted his mouthguard before stepping onto the ice for the final period."

2

A dental appliance worn, especially at night, to prevent teeth grinding (bruxism) or to help treat sleep apnea.

Example

"Her dentist recommended a custom-fitted mouthguard to alleviate her jaw pain from nighttime grinding."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for mouthguard

• Nearby Words

mouthbreather
mouthfeel
mouthful
mouthguard
mouthiness
mouthpiece
mouthwash

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'mouth' and 'guard', first created in the late 19th century originally as a protective lip device for boxers.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mouthguard. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mouthguard
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