Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

mouthbreather

noun

/ˈmaʊθˌbriːðər/

Definition

A person who breathes through their mouth instead of their nose, often used informally to describe someone considered to be unintelligent or socially awkward.

Examples

He had to breathe through his mouth during the allergy season, making him look like a mouthbreather.
Some people think that being a mouthbreather is just about how you breathe, but it can also indicate other issues.
The term ‘mouthbreather’ is often thrown around in a derogatory way among teenagers.

Meaning

The term typically refers to individuals who habitually breathe through their mouths, which can be a result of various reasons including nasal congestion or simply a lack of awareness. Additionally, it is sometimes used derogatorily to imply that a person lacks common sense or sophistication.