mustache

noun

mus·​tache ˈmə-ˌstash How to pronounce mustache (audio) (ˌ)mə-ˈstash How to pronounce mustache (audio)
variants or less commonly moustache
1
: the hair growing on the human upper lip
especially : such hair grown and often trimmed in a particular style
… his long mustache combed and waxed … —Henry Petroski
2
: hair or bristles about the mouth of a mammal
mustached adjective
or less commonly moustached
ˈmə-ˌstasht How to pronounce mustache (audio)
(ˌ)mə-ˈstasht

Examples of mustache in a Sentence

He used a small pair of scissors to trim his mustache. He decided to grow a mustache. The actor was wearing a false mustache.
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.
In fact, the Bears were handing out fake mustaches for fans to wear during the game – an ode to the most iconic facial hair in the city. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 The two fans came with their own props even though fake mustaches were given to fans at the entry gates. — Armando L. Sanchez, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 The boy was a soccer player who was enchanted by the idea of camping in the woods; Charlotte was bright and cheery, sometimes applying glitter to her father’s mustache. — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026 Clothed safari guides in white hats and suits with fake mustaches greeted the guests, who included Sharon Bush, Peter Thomas Roth, Susan Gutfreund, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Paola Bacchini, Leesa Rowland, and Jacqueline Weld Drake. — Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mustache

Word History

Etymology

Middle French moustache, from Old Italian mustaccio, from Middle Greek moustaki, diminutive of Greek mystak-, mystax upper lip, mustache

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mustache was in 1585

Phrases Containing mustache

Rhymes for mustache

See All Rhymes for mustache

Browse Nearby Words

must've
mustache
mustachio
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mustache.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mustache. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mustache

noun
mus·​tache
variants also moustache
ˈməs-ˌtash, 
(ˌ)məs-ˈtash
1
: the hair growing on the human upper lip
2
: hair or bristles about the mouth of a mammal (as a walrus)

More from Merriam-Webster on mustache

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mustache

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