What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lips
Example
She applied lipstick to her lips before leaving the house. [lips: noun]
Example
He pursed his lips in disapproval. [lips: verb]
mouth
Example
She opened her mouth wide to take a bite of the sandwich. [mouth: noun]
Example
He spoke with his mouth full of food. [mouth: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mouth is more commonly used than lips in everyday language. Mouth is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while lips is less common and often used in specific situations, such as describing someone's appearance or expressing emotions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lips and mouth?
Both lips and mouth are neutral words that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.