ENGLISH
REFERENCE

toothed

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈtuðd// UK //tˈuːθd// toothed
Definition

adj. having teeth or parts that look like teeth. You use this to describe animals with sharp mouths or tools with jagged edges.

adj. possessing teeth or tooth-like projections. Often used in biological descriptions or to characterize mechanical components with serrated edges.


SIMPLE

The shark has several rows of sharp, toothed jaws.

CONTEXTUAL

The mechanic replaced the toothed belt to ensure the engine's timing remained precise during high-speed operation.

COMPLEX

Botanists distinguish this species by its toothed leaf margins, which provide a distinct visual contrast to the smooth-edged foliage of its close relatives.

Origin

From tooth + -ed.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun; often appears in compound adjectives like 'sharp-toothed' or 'fine-toothed'.

Last updated May 11, 2026