toothbrush

toothbrush — noun

1. a narrow brush that has a handle at one end and stiff hairs at the other, used f

1.nounA1
Definition

a narrow brush that has a handle at one end and stiff hairs at the other, used for keeping the teeth clean and healthy.

Example

Yasmin forgot to pack her toothbrush and bought a new one at the shop.

collocation: pack a toothbrush / pack one's toothbrush

The dentist told Asher that he should replace his toothbrush every three months.

collocation: replace a toothbrush

Common collocations
  • electric toothbrush
  • manual toothbrush
  • toothbrush head
  • toothbrush bristles
  • toothbrush holder
  • pack a toothbrush
  • replace a toothbrush
  • clean a toothbrush
Synonyms
  • brush

    shorter everyday word, but can also mean a hairbrush or paintbrush; context makes the meaning clear

Grammar Patterns

a/the toothbrush

possessive + toothbrush

electric toothbrush

Usage Note

The verb meaning 'to clean with a toothbrush' is simply 'brush', not 'toothbrush'. You brush your teeth using a toothbrush.

Common Mistakes

I need to buy a new toothbrush-paste.
I need to buy a new toothbrush and some toothpaste.
toothbrush and toothpaste are separate words for separate products.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Toothbrush is the basic tool for cleaning teeth — a handle with bristles that you use with toothpaste. A toothpick is a thin pointed piece of wood or plastic used to remove food stuck between teeth after a meal. Dental floss is a thin thread that you pull between teeth to clean the gaps a toothbrush cannot reach. Mouthwash is a liquid you swish around your mouth to freshen breath or kill germs — it does not physically remove plaque. Toothpaste is the paste you put on the toothbrush, not the brush itself. For example: 'Scoop toothpaste onto your toothbrush, then brush for two minutes.' 'Use dental floss after brushing to clean between your teeth.'

toothpick ↗dental flossmouthwashtoothpaste ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • toothbrush head
  • toothbrush holder
  • toothbrush bristles
  • toothbrush handle

Phrases

  • electric toothbrush
  • manual toothbrush
  • disposable toothbrush
  • travel toothbrush

Etymology

Old EnglishOld FrenchEnglish

Toothbrush is a compound noun formed by combining 'tooth' (from Old English tōþ) and 'brush' (from Old French broisse, meaning a bundle of bristles). The word first appeared in English in the 17th century, around the time when mass-produced tooth-cleaning tools became available in Europe.