Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Extremely appetizing in appearance or smell; causing one's mouth to water in anticipation of eating: Describes food or drink that looks or smells so delicious it stimulates salivation.
   • Figuratively, extremely attractive or tempting: Used to describe something non-food that is very appealing or desirable.

Usage and Examples

• Describing Food:

  • The bakery displayed a tray of mouth-watering pastries in the window.
  • The chef prepared a mouth-watering steak with aromatic herbs.

• Figurative Use:

  • The company offered a mouth-watering salary package to attract top talent.
  • He described a mouth-watering opportunity to invest in the new technology.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Mouth-wateringly" (Adverb): Used to modify an adjective to indicate an extreme degree of appeal.
  • The dessert was mouth-wateringly delicious.
  • She was offered a mouth-wateringly large bonus.

Variants and Related Words

• Appetizing (adj): Appealing to the appetite; looks or smells good to eat. (A close synonym, but less intense).
• Delectable (adj): Highly delicious; delightful. (Often more formal).
• Scrumptious (adj): Extremely tasty or delicious. (Informal, similar intensity).
• Savory (adj): Pleasing to the sense of taste, especially by being salty or spicy rather than sweet.

Synonyms

• Delicious
• Tempting
• Succulent
• Luscious
• Toothsome

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• "A mouth-watering prospect": A future possibility that is very exciting and desirable.
  • Owning his own business was a mouth-watering prospect.
• "To make one's mouth water": To cause someone to salivate with anticipation (often the verb phrase from which the adjective is derived).
  • The smell of grilled onions made my mouth water.

Adjective

1. pleasing to the sense of taste