hand-to-mouth

adjective

ˈhan(d)-tə-ˈmau̇th How to pronounce hand-to-mouth (audio)
ˈhan-də-
Synonyms of hand-to-mouthnext
: having or providing nothing to spare beyond basic necessities
a hand-to-mouth existence
hand to mouth adverb

Synonyms of hand-to-mouth

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Examples of hand-to-mouth in a Sentence

survived on a hand-to-mouth income that came from any odd job that he could find
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.
Still, most of Yopougon’s residents work informally and live hand-to-mouth. — Adrien Marotte, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Oct. 2025 The film is not blind to how easily big dreams can be derailed, especially for the hand-to-mouth creative class in a Midwestern outpost. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026 Drop Shots 💰 How match-fixers prey on tennis players living a hand-to-mouth existence lower down the sport’s rankings. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 4 June 2026 While their musician patriarch is on the road, the eldest sibling has become the clear-eyed voice of discipline in the household who struggles with the strain of their hand-to-mouth life. — Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 20 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hand-to-mouth

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hand-to-mouth was in 1748

Browse Nearby Words

hand to hand
hand-to-mouth
hand tool
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hand-to-mouth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hand-to-mouth. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hand-to-mouth

adjective
-tə-ˈmau̇th
: having or providing nothing to spare
a hand-to-mouth existence
hand to mouth adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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