German word

Maul

Pronunciation

IPA/maʊ̯l/

Meaning

  • neuter nounmouth

Example

Die Katze hat die Maus im Maul.

The cat has the mouse in its mouth.

Illustration for Maul (mouth)

More examples

Der Löwe riss sein Maul auf.

The lion opened its mouth wide.

Core concept

A strong animal mouth that can seize, bite, and take in food.

Common phrases

  • das Maul halten

    keep one's mouth shut

  • mit offenem Maul staunen

    gape in amazement with one's mouth open

  • etwas im Maul tragen

    carry something in one's mouth

Similar words

Mund: A general term for the mouth used to eat or speak.
Schnauze: An animal's snout, including the nose and front of the face.
Fresse: A rough and insulting word for an animal's or person's mouth.

Definition in German

Teil des Körpers bei Tieren, der zum Fressen, Beißen und Greifen dient

Word origin

German Maul comes through Middle High German mūl from Old High German mūla, an old Germanic word for an animal's mouth.

Usage tips

  • Maul is neuter, das Maul, with the plural die Mäuler, and sounds rough or insulting when used for a person's mouth; Mund is neutral.

Related words

  • Maulkorbmuzzlenoun
  • maulengrumbleverb
  • mauligsurlyadjective

Word lists with this word