tooth
A tooth is a hard, white part in your mouth used for biting and chewing.
Explanation at your level:
A tooth is a hard thing in your mouth. You have many teeth. You use them to eat food. You must brush your teeth every day to keep them clean and healthy.
A tooth is part of your body. Humans have two sets of teeth. First, we have baby teeth. Then, we get adult teeth. If you have a problem with a tooth, you go to the dentist.
The word tooth refers to the hard, white structures in your jaw. We use them for biting and chewing. It is important to maintain good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly.
In anatomy, a tooth is a specialized structure for mastication. Beyond their biological function, teeth are significant for speech and aesthetics. People often use the term in idioms, like having a 'sweet tooth' or 'fighting tooth and nail'.
The tooth is a complex organ composed of enamel, dentin, and pulp. While primarily used for mechanical digestion, teeth are also critical in phonetics, as they help shape sounds. The term is frequently used in metaphorical contexts, such as 'having teeth' in a policy, meaning it has the power to be enforced.
Etymologically, tooth traces back to Proto-Indo-European roots. In literature and cultural history, the tooth has often symbolized vitality, age, or even aggression. Its irregular plural, 'teeth', reflects the ancient Germanic linguistic evolution. Understanding the nuances of this word requires looking at both its biological role and its deep-seated presence in human idiomatic expression.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Tooth is a singular noun for a hard mouth structure.
- Teeth is the irregular plural form.
- Used for biting, chewing, and speaking.
- Commonly used in idioms like 'sweet tooth'.
Think of your tooth as the ultimate tool for your mouth. It is a hard, white structure that acts like a tiny grinder, helping you break down food so your body can digest it properly.
Humans are diphyodont, which is a fancy way of saying we get two sets of teeth in our lifetime. We start with 'baby teeth' and eventually swap them out for our 'permanent' set. Taking care of these is super important because they don't grow back once they are gone!
The word tooth has a very old history. It comes from the Proto-Germanic word *tanth-, which is related to the Old English tōth.
Interestingly, this word shares a common ancestor with the Latin word dens and the Greek odous. You can see the connection if you look at words like dentist or orthodontist, which also relate to teeth. It is fascinating how a word used thousands of years ago still sounds so similar today.
You will hear tooth used in many daily contexts. We often talk about brushing our teeth or visiting the dentist.
In a more formal setting, you might hear about dental hygiene or orthodontic treatment. Whether you are talking about a baby's first tooth or a cavity, the word is universally understood and essential for describing health and anatomy.
English is full of fun idioms involving teeth. For example, 'fight tooth and nail' means to fight very fiercely. 'Sweet tooth' describes someone who loves sugary treats.
You might also hear 'by the skin of your teeth', which means you barely succeeded at something. These expressions add color to our language and show how important teeth are to our culture!
The word tooth is special because its plural is irregular: teeth. You don't say 'tooths'! The IPA for the singular is /tuːθ/.
It is a countable noun, so you can have one tooth or many teeth. It rhymes with words like sooth and is often used in compound words like toothbrush or toothpaste.
Fun Fact
The word is related to the Latin 'dens', which is why dentists work on teeth.
Pronunciation Guide
Short 'oo' sound followed by a soft 'th'.
Similar to UK, clear 'th' at the end.
Common Errors
- pronouncing 'th' as 't'
- pronouncing 'th' as 's'
- misplacing stress
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy to read.
Easy to use.
Common word.
Easy to hear.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Irregular Plurals
tooth -> teeth
Countable Nouns
one tooth, two teeth
Compound Nouns
toothbrush
Examples by Level
I brush my tooth.
I clean my tooth.
Usually plural 'teeth' is used.
My tooth hurts.
My tooth is in pain.
Singular noun.
This is a baby tooth.
A small tooth from a child.
Compound noun.
Brush your teeth.
Clean your teeth.
Plural form.
I lost a tooth.
A tooth fell out.
Past tense.
He has white teeth.
His teeth are white.
Adjective usage.
The tooth is small.
The tooth is little.
Simple sentence.
Open your mouth.
Show your teeth.
Imperative.
I need to see the dentist for my tooth.
My son just lost his first tooth.
Do you have a toothbrush?
He has a very sweet tooth.
The dentist cleaned my teeth.
I have a sharp tooth.
She is brushing her teeth.
The tooth fell out while eating.
She fought tooth and nail to get the job.
I have a cavity in my back tooth.
He escaped by the skin of his teeth.
The dentist examined every tooth carefully.
My wisdom tooth is starting to come in.
Eating too much sugar is bad for your teeth.
She smiled, showing her straight teeth.
The gear has a broken tooth.
The new policy lacks teeth to actually change anything.
He had to have a tooth extracted yesterday.
She has a sweet tooth for chocolate.
The dog bared its teeth at the stranger.
I need an appointment for a chipped tooth.
They fought tooth and nail for the promotion.
The saw blade has a very sharp tooth.
Dental health is linked to overall well-being.
The legislation was criticized for lacking real teeth.
He felt a sharp pain in his tooth.
The fossil record shows the evolution of the tooth.
She gritted her teeth in frustration.
The mechanism relies on a tooth and gear system.
They fought tooth and nail to preserve the park.
His sweet tooth is legendary among his friends.
The dentist performed a root canal on the tooth.
The metaphor of the 'tooth of time' suggests erosion.
The creature possessed a jagged, predatory tooth.
He spoke through clenched teeth.
The project lacks the teeth to be effective.
Her sweet tooth led to a lifetime of dental issues.
They fought tooth and nail against the decision.
The archaeological find included a fossilized tooth.
The gear's tooth snapped under the pressure.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"fight tooth and nail"
to fight very hard
They fought tooth and nail for the win.
casual"sweet tooth"
a love for sugary food
I have a sweet tooth.
casual"by the skin of one's teeth"
barely succeeding
I passed the test by the skin of my teeth.
casual"grit one's teeth"
to show frustration
He gritted his teeth in anger.
neutral"show one's teeth"
to show aggression
The dog showed its teeth.
neutral"get one's teeth into"
to start a task with energy
I can't wait to get my teeth into this project.
casualEasily Confused
plural form
teeth is plural, tooth is singular
I have one tooth, but many teeth.
both are teeth
tusks are large animal teeth
Elephants have tusks.
pointed tooth
fangs are for predators
The wolf has sharp fangs.
sounds like dental
a dent is a hollow
There is a dent in my car.
Sentence Patterns
I have a [adjective] tooth.
I have a loose tooth.
Brush your [plural noun].
Brush your teeth.
He has a sweet tooth for [noun].
He has a sweet tooth for candy.
She fought tooth and nail to [verb].
She fought tooth and nail to win.
The [noun] lacks teeth.
The law lacks teeth.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
9
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
The plural of tooth is irregular.
Toothache is singular.
Use plural for general appearance.
We usually refer to all teeth.
Natural phrasing.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a giant tooth in your bathroom.
Native Usage
Use 'teeth' for general health.
Tooth Fairy
A fun childhood tradition.
Plural Rule
Remember the double 'o' to double 'e' shift.
The 'th' sound
Put your tongue between your teeth.
Avoid 'tooths'
Always use 'teeth'.
Did You Know?
Teeth are the hardest substance in the body.
Flashcards
Pair 'tooth' with 'dentist'.
Rhyme Time
Rhyme it with truth.
Idiom check
Use 'sweet tooth' for friends.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
T-O-O-T-H: Two 'O's look like two eyes above a mouth full of teeth.
Visual Association
A bright, shiny white tooth smiling.
Word Web
Challenge
Count your teeth with your tongue.
Word Origin
Germanic
Original meaning: biting structure
Cultural Context
None
The 'Tooth Fairy' is a common myth for children who lose baby teeth.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at the dentist
- Open wide
- Check for cavities
- Floss daily
at home
- Brush your teeth
- Time for bed
- Don't forget to floss
talking about food
- Sweet tooth
- Hard to chew
- Sensitive teeth
idiomatic
- Fight tooth and nail
- Skin of my teeth
- Grit my teeth
Conversation Starters
"Do you have a sweet tooth?"
"How often do you go to the dentist?"
"Do you remember losing your baby teeth?"
"Do you grind your teeth at night?"
"What is your advice for healthy teeth?"
Journal Prompts
Write about your first memory of losing a tooth.
Describe your favorite snack and why you like it (mention your sweet tooth).
Why is dental hygiene important for your health?
What would you do if you lost a tooth as an adult?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsTooth is singular; teeth is plural.
They are placeholders for adult teeth.
A third molar that grows later in life.
Twice a day is recommended.
A preference for sugary foods.
No, humans only get two sets.
The enamel.
No, it is grammatically incorrect.
Test Yourself
I brush my ___ every morning.
Plural is needed.
What is the plural of tooth?
Irregular plural.
A dentist is a doctor who helps with your teeth.
Correct definition.
Word
Meaning
Common collocations.
Subject-Verb-Object.
He fought ___ and nail for the prize.
Idiomatic expression.
Which word is related to tooth?
Dental relates to teeth.
The word 'teeth' is singular.
Teeth is plural.
The policy lacks ___ to be effective.
Idiomatic usage.
Word
Meaning
Advanced terminology.
Score: /10
Summary
Remember that tooth is singular and teeth is plural—and always brush them!
- Tooth is a singular noun for a hard mouth structure.
- Teeth is the irregular plural form.
- Used for biting, chewing, and speaking.
- Commonly used in idioms like 'sweet tooth'.
Memory Palace
Imagine a giant tooth in your bathroom.
Native Usage
Use 'teeth' for general health.
Tooth Fairy
A fun childhood tradition.
Plural Rule
Remember the double 'o' to double 'e' shift.
Example
I brush every tooth carefully to keep my smile bright.
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