toothless

adjective

tooth·​less ˈtüth-ləs How to pronounce toothless (audio)
1
: having no teeth
2
a
: lacking in sharpness or bite
spoke in toothless generalitiesArthur Hepner
b
: lacking in means of enforcement or coercion : ineffectual

Examples of toothless 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.
The Senator excels at producing toothless reports that waste paper and will be read by no one, even if paid to. Tara Suter, The Hill, 3 June 2025 The newest entry, while not entirely lacking in charm, is toothless corporate hodgepodge. Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 28 May 2025 The legislation is also toothless because the affected city licensing agencies were never even consulted by the bill sponsors. Michael Burke, New York Daily News, 24 May 2025 Kfir, the infant with red hair and a toothless smile, became a symbol across Israel for the feelings of helplessness and anger over the hostages’ captivity. Associated Press, TIME, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for toothless

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of toothless was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Toothless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toothless. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

toothless

adjective
tooth·​less ˈtüth-ləs How to pronounce toothless (audio)
: having no teeth

More from Merriam-Webster on toothless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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