Definition

Adjective: 1. Having or showing prominent teeth: Describes a person, animal, or expression (like a smile or grin) that conspicuously displays a lot of teeth.

Usage

The adjective "toothy" is used to describe a smile, grin, or similar facial expression where the teeth are very noticeable. It often carries a neutral or descriptive connotation but can sometimes imply a broad, eager, or slightly aggressive appearance depending on context. It typically modifies nouns like "smile," "grin," or "jaw."

Examples

• She greeted us with a wide, toothy grin.
• The cartoon shark was drawn with a fearsome, toothy mouth.
• His toothy smile was both friendly and a little goofy.

Advanced Usage

• Descriptive of Non-Human Things: Can be used metaphorically to describe objects that have tooth-like projections.
  • The saw had a toothy blade that looked dangerous.
• In Compound Descriptions: Often paired with adverbs to modify the quality of the display of teeth.
  • a slightly toothy smile, a wildly toothy grimace

Variants and Related Words

• Toothless (adj): The direct antonym, meaning having no teeth or lacking force or effectiveness.
• Toothsome (adj): An unrelated word meaning delicious or attractive. Do not confuse with "toothy."
• Toothily (adv): The adverbial form, though rarely used (e.g., He smiled toothily).

Synonyms

• Beaming (when implying a broad smile)
• Grinning
• Gaptoothed (specifically when there are spaces between the teeth)

Antonyms

• Toothless
• Tight-lipped
• Closed-mouth

Idioms and Phrases

• A toothy grin/smile: This is the standard and most common collocation for this word.
  • The ambassador flashed a toothy smile for the cameras.

Adjective

1. having or showing prominent teeth
   • a toothy smile