muzzle

1 of 2

noun

muz·​zle ˈmə-zəl How to pronounce muzzle (audio)
Synonyms of muzzlenext
1
: the projecting jaws and nose of an animal : snout
2
a
: a fastening or covering for the mouth of an animal used to prevent eating or biting
b
: something (such as censorship) that restrains normal expression
3
: the open end of an implement
especially : the discharging end of a weapon

Illustration of muzzle

Illustration of muzzle
  • muzzle 2a

muzzle

2 of 2

verb

muzzled; muzzling ˈməz-liŋ How to pronounce muzzle (audio)
ˈmə-zə-

transitive verb

1
: to fit with a muzzle
2
a
: gag
muzzled the regime's critics
b
: restrain, restrict
… the Pentagon's efforts to muzzle press access.—Joe Strupp
the low prices muzzled competition
muzzler
ˈməz-lər How to pronounce muzzle (audio)
ˈmə-zə-
noun

Examples of muzzle in a Sentence

Verb a dangerous dog that should be muzzled attempts by the government to muzzle the press The company has tried to muzzle its employees by forbidding them to speak to the press.
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.
Noun
Fallon points out that muzzles don’t always signal bite risk. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026 In the end, the officer suggested muzzles for both dogs, gates at the door and training. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
If a pet requires muzzling, it should be done prior to arrival, the post said. — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026 These requirements involved insurance, muzzle the dog in public, wear a specific dog tag, and a post a sign on the home. — Jim McHugh, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for muzzle

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English mosel, from Middle French musel, from Old French *mus mouth of an animal, from Medieval Latin musus

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of muzzle was in the 15th century

Rhymes for muzzle

See All Rhymes for muzzle

Browse Nearby Words

muzziness
muzzle
muzzlebag
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Muzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muzzle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

muzzle

1 of 2 noun
muz·​zle ˈməz-əl How to pronounce muzzle (audio)
1
: the nose and jaws of an animal : snout
2
: a covering for the mouth and jaws of an animal used to keep it from eating or biting
3
: the open end of a weapon from which the missile is fired

muzzle

2 of 2 verb
muzzled; muzzling ˈməz-(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce muzzle (audio)
1
: to put a muzzle on
2
: to prevent free or normal expression by : gag
the dictator muzzled the press

Medical Definition

muzzle

1 of 2 noun
muz·​zle ˈməz-əl How to pronounce muzzle (audio)
1
: the projecting jaws and nose of an animal : snout
2
: a fastening or covering for the mouth of an animal used to prevent eating or biting

muzzle

2 of 2 transitive verb
muzzled; muzzling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce muzzle (audio)
: to fit with a muzzle

More from Merriam-Webster on muzzle

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for muzzle

Nglish: Translation of muzzle for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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