mouthpiece

USAGE SUMMARY

"mouthpiece" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when referring to the part of a telephone, musical instrument, or other device that is placed near the mouth in order to speak or make a sound. For example, "Before speaking on a telephone, make sure the mouthpiece is close to your lips."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The UK's campaign in Brazil is currently without an official musical mouthpiece after the FA dropped Gary Barlow's song Greatest Day, thanks to its previous association with Sport Relief.

The Guardian - Music

If that ever happened, I don't want to be just a mouthpiece".

The Guardian - Sport

No matter how carefully you choose your words it seems that, as a Muslim, a woman and a member of an ethnic minority, it's impossible to write about a political topic without being accused of being an "Islamist", a supporter of "extremists" or a "mouthpiece" for the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Guardian - Opinion

"For over two decades Itic has promoted tobacco-friendly fiscal policies in developing countries that have helped fuel the global tobacco epidemic, but governments and international organizations like the World Bank are increasingly realising that Itic is nothing more than a secret mouthpiece for big tobacco companies," said Matt Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Tobacco-Free Kids

The Guardian - Business

Orbán has used new media laws to turn public television into a mouthpiece for his government, and used tax inspectors and advertising money to intimidate, impoverish and weaken critical media.

The Guardian

"Erdoğan has proven since 1994 – when he was mayor of Istanbul – that he can reach any goal he sets himself," says Metin Yüksel, the deputy editor of Sabah, a daily newspaper and AKP mouthpiece.

The Guardian

Yet thoughtful Tories also see the risk to them of being seen as a mouthpiece for corporate interests – something their leader said he wouldn't do when he was in opposition.

The Guardian - Opinion

At this stage I have very grand visions, of course, but the Labor Herald aspires to be more of an ideas playground for Labor supporters than merely a political mouthpiece.

The Guardian

"This could end out being a major mouthpiece and boost for Ukip".

The Guardian

"Instead of being the champion of the consumer, the government is acting as the mouthpiece of the food poisoners".

The Guardian

If the authorities and some of the domestic media are to be believed, Egypt's foreign press corps are all secret members of the Brotherhood, creating Islamist anarchy and mischief on behalf of al-Jazeera (now deemed a Brotherhood mouthpiece and banned from operating in Egypt).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mouthpiece" to describe a person, be aware of the negative connotation it can carry, suggesting a lack of independent thought or action. Consider alternative terms like "spokesperson" or "representative" for a more neutral tone.

Common error

Avoid using "mouthpiece" in overly formal or academic writing where a more precise term like "representative" or "advocate" would be more appropriate. "Mouthpiece" can sometimes sound informal or even pejorative.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "mouthpiece" is as a noun. It can refer literally to the part of a device placed in or near the mouth, or figuratively to someone who expresses the opinions of others. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and the examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mouthpiece" is a common noun with multiple meanings, ranging from a physical component of an object to a person who expresses the views of others. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While generally neutral, the term can sometimes carry a negative connotation when describing a person acting as a mere instrument of another's voice. It is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, and less so in more academic or encyclopedic sources. When writing, be mindful of the potential for negative connotations and consider alternatives like "spokesperson" or "representative" for a more neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spokesperson

Focuses on the role of officially representing someone or an organization.

voice

Indicates expressing opinions or conveying messages for others.

representative

Implies standing in for or acting on behalf of someone or a group.

advocate

Highlights active support and promotion of a cause or individual.

delegate

Suggests being chosen to act or speak for others.

agent

Emphasizes acting as an intermediary or representative in transactions or communications.

instrument

Conveys being used as a means to express or promote something.

publicist

Focuses on managing and promoting a public image.

figurehead

Suggests symbolic representation, often without real power.

puppet

Implies being controlled and manipulated by others.

FAQs

How can I use "mouthpiece" in a sentence?

"Mouthpiece" can refer to the part of an instrument or device you put in your mouth, or a person who speaks on behalf of someone else. For example, "The musician cleaned the trumpet's mouthpiece" or "The spokesperson acted as the company's mouthpiece during the crisis".

What's the difference between "mouthpiece" and "spokesperson"?

While both terms refer to someone who speaks for another, "mouthpiece" often carries a negative connotation, implying the person is simply repeating someone else's views without independent thought. "Spokesperson" is generally more neutral.

What can I say instead of "mouthpiece"?

You can use alternatives like "spokesperson", "representative", or "advocate" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "mouthpiece" to describe a news outlet?

Yes, it's common to describe a news outlet as a "mouthpiece" for a particular political party or ideology when it consistently promotes that viewpoint. For instance, "The newspaper became a mouthpiece for the government's policies".