muttonchops

plural noun

mut·​ton·​chops ˈmə-tᵊn-ˌchäps How to pronounce muttonchops (audio)
: side-whiskers that are narrow at the temple and broad and round by the lower jaws

called also muttonchop whiskers

Examples of muttonchops in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web From Mohawks to colorful muttonchops, guenons use these distinguishing features to avoid mating with the wrong monkey. Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2014 Ultimately, the show belongs to Hauser, who, with his childlike, sing-songy voice and Civil War muttonchops, is hauntingly brilliant. Matthew Gilbert, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Dec. 2022 However, another Union general, Ambrose Burnside, had a set of muttonchops that other generals might have envied. Mary Ann Ashcraft, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, 10 July 2021 Berkman proved to be a shortish fellow with disconcertingly bushy muttonchops and a joshing, amiable demeanor. Lawrence Weschler, The Atlantic, 7 Sep. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'muttonchops.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of muttonchops was in 1865

Dictionary Entries Near muttonchops

Cite this Entry

“Muttonchops.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muttonchops. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

muttonchops

noun plural
mut·​ton·​chops ˈmət-ᵊn-ˌchäps How to pronounce muttonchops (audio)
: whiskers framing a man's face that are narrow at the temple and broad and round by the lower jaws
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