brush one's teeth — to clean one's teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to clean one's teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste
Pronunciation (IPA): /brʌʃ wʌnz tiːθ/
Example Sentences
- My dentist told me to brush my teeth for at least two minutes, but I usually finish in 30 seconds like I'm speed-cleaning a race car.
- Children should learn to brush their teeth independently by age 6.
- She forgot to brush her teeth before the important job interview and spent the whole time talking with her hand over her mouth.
brush one's teeth
VERB[/brʌʃ wʌnz tiːθ/]
to clean one's teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste
Every morning she brushes her teeth before heading to school.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase 'brush one's teeth' combines two etymologically distinct words: 'brush' derives from Old French 'broisse', referring to a bundle of bristles used for cleaning, while 'teeth' originates from Proto-Germanic 'tōþ' through Old English. The practice of regular tooth brushing became standardized in 18th-century Europe.
Breakdown
'brush' (Old French broisse, a bristled cleaning implement) + 'one's' (possessive pronoun) + 'teeth' (Germanic tōþ, plural of tooth). The phrase functions as a verb phrase combining the action (brush) with its object (teeth).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My dentist told me to brush my teeth for at least two minutes, but I usually finish in 30 seconds like I'm speed-cleaning a race car.”
“Children should learn to brush their teeth independently by age 6.”
“She forgot to brush her teeth before the important job interview and spent the whole time talking with her hand over her mouth.”
“The dental hygienist demonstrated the proper technique to brush your teeth.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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