The word mouthwatering is widely used in English to describe food that looks, smells, or tastes so appealing that it literally makes one’s mouth water. Many people who write professionally, blog about food, or even communicate casually often wonder whether mouthwatering should be written with a hyphen or as a single word. Understanding the proper way to write it is essential for clear and effective communication. This topic explores the hyphenation rules, usage examples, and related tips for writing mouthwatering correctly in different contexts.
Is Mouthwatering Hyphenated?
The word mouthwatering is typically written as a single, unhyphenated word in modern English. According to most contemporary dictionaries and style guides, including Merriam-Webster and Oxford English Dictionary, mouthwatering is an adjective that does not require a hyphen when used in most contexts. For example
- The bakery displayed a mouthwatering selection of cakes and pastries.
- She prepared a mouthwatering feast for the dinner party.
These examples demonstrate that mouthwatering functions smoothly as a compound adjective without a hyphen. Over time, English has evolved to combine many commonly used descriptive words into single compounds, eliminating the need for hyphenation in many cases.
When to Consider a Hyphen
While mouthwatering is generally written without a hyphen, there are some rare cases where hyphenation might appear, especially in informal writing or to avoid confusion. For instance, a writer might use a hyphen for emphasis or stylistic reasons
- He served a mouth-watering dessert that everyone raved about.
However, most editors and style guides prefer the solid form mouthwatering, as it is widely recognized and avoids unnecessary punctuation. Using a hyphen in standard writing may appear outdated or overly formal.
Understanding Compound Words in English
To understand why mouthwatering doesn’t need a hyphen, it helps to know a bit about compound words in English. Compound words are formed by combining two or more words to create a new meaning. They can be categorized into three types
- Closed compoundsWords that are written as a single word, such as notebook, sunflower, and mouthwatering.
- Hyphenated compoundsWords that use a hyphen to connect parts, like mother-in-law or well-being.
- Open compoundsWords that remain separate, such as post office or ice cream.
Mouthwatering falls into the closed compound category. The two words mouth and watering combine to create a single adjective that describes something appealing enough to stimulate the mouth’s salivary glands.
Why Some Writers Still Use a Hyphen
Despite the standard usage, you may still encounter mouth-watering with a hyphen in older publications or creative writing. This often occurs because
- Some writers follow older style guides that recommend hyphenation for clarity.
- Hyphenation can emphasize the connection between the two words for stylistic effect.
- In certain publishing formats, editors may choose a hyphen to break the word across lines more easily.
While these cases are not incorrect, they are increasingly uncommon in contemporary English, especially in digital media, online topics, and modern cookbooks.
Usage in Sentences
Here are several examples of how to use mouthwatering correctly in sentences without a hyphen
- The chef prepared a mouthwatering lasagna that had everyone asking for seconds.
- Her presentation included mouthwatering photos of desserts from around the world.
- Nothing beats the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked bread in the morning.
- They offered a mouthwatering array of gourmet cheeses at the tasting event.
These examples illustrate that the word flows naturally as a single adjective preceding a noun, enhancing descriptive writing without the need for extra punctuation.
Comparison with Other Compound Adjectives
Mouthwatering can be compared with similar compound adjectives to understand why it is closed rather than hyphenated. For example
- Eye-catchinguses a hyphen because eye and catching are visually distinct words, and hyphenation prevents misreading.
- Time-consumingalso hyphenated because the combination could be confusing without the hyphen.
- Heartbreakingwritten as a closed compound like mouthwatering because it has become a recognized single word.
In essence, hyphenation depends on readability, tradition, and the level of familiarity with the compound. Mouthwatering is now familiar enough to be written without a hyphen.
Tips for Writing Mouthwatering Correctly
Here are some practical tips for using mouthwatering correctly in your writing
- Always check modern dictionaries if unsure; mouthwatering is listed as a closed compound in most references.
- Use a hyphen only if an editor or style guide specifically requires it.
- Place it before a noun when used as an adjective, such as mouthwatering dessert or mouthwatering aroma.
- Do not separate it into two words; writing mouth watering can be interpreted literally rather than figuratively.
By following these guidelines, your writing will be clear, modern, and consistent with contemporary English usage.
The word mouthwatering is a versatile adjective used to describe food that is exceptionally appealing or delicious. It is correctly written as a single, unhyphenated word in most modern contexts. While some older publications or stylistic choices may still use a hyphen, contemporary usage favors the closed compound form. Understanding how to write and use mouthwatering correctly ensures clarity and professionalism in writing, whether for topics, recipes, or casual communication. By following the tips outlined here, writers can confidently describe irresistible dishes and flavors without worrying about incorrect punctuation.