Word
toothpaste
Phoneticstooth·paste, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtuθˌpeɪst/
UK/tˈuːθpeɪst/
Definitions
01cleaning paste
A1 · Beginner Uncountable noun
n. a thick substance you use with a toothbrush to clean your teeth and keep your breath fresh.
n. a dentifrice in the form of a paste or gel, typically containing fluoride, used to clean teeth and promote oral health.
“Don't forget to put some toothpaste on your brush before you start.”
“Dentists generally recommend using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day to prevent cavities and strengthen enamel.”
Synonyms
02to smear with paste
C2 · Proficiency Informal
v. to cover or spread toothpaste onto something.
v. to apply or smear toothpaste onto a surface or object. Transitive use is rare and often informal.
“The toddler managed to toothpaste the entire bathroom mirror while I wasn't looking.”
“The pranksters had toothpasted the door handles of the dormitory, leaving a sticky, minty mess for the returning students.”
Etymology
From tooth + paste. Compare Saterland Frisian Tuskepasta (“toothpaste”), West Frisian toskpoetserguod (“toothpaste”), Dutch tandpasta (“toothpaste”), German Zahnpasta, Zahnpaste (“toothpaste”), Danish tandpasta (“toothpaste”), Swedish tandpasta (“toothpaste”), Icelandic tannkrem (“toothpaste”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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