Mouthwatering
adj.joyful, energeticwarm
What it means
So appetizing in flavor, smell, or appearance that it stimulates eager appetite.
Reach for it when describing food with immediate sensory appeal rather than merely saying it is well prepared
A mouthwatering aroma of garlic and tomatoes drifted from the community kitchen.
Choose between these
7- everyday
actual flavor has been experienced and praised
not when Delicious can only be confirmed by tasting, while a smell may be mouthwatering.
- warm
a pleasant aroma is the observed quality
not when Fragrance may be delicate without making anyone hungry.
- warm
the offer creates a strong desire to try it
not when Tempting applies far beyond food and can suggest conflict with restraint.
- professional
food invites appetite through appearance or aroma
not when Appetizing is measured and lacks mouthwatering intensity.
- professional
rich salty or umami character is specific
not when Savory excludes sweet food and does not guarantee exceptional appeal.
- literary
food merits refined, elevated praise
not when Delectable is mannered and normally follows tasting rather than anticipation.
- literary
rich texture and sensuous abundance drive the praise
not when Luscious may apply to color or fabric and can sound overripe.
Said against
4- nauseating
- unappetizing
- bland
- malodorous
It naturally appears in
3- mouthwatering aroma
A mouthwatering aroma greeted visitors at the bakery door.
- mouthwatering meal
Volunteers prepared a mouthwatering meal from surplus vegetables.
- look mouthwatering
The glazed peaches look mouthwatering against the dark pastry.
Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English adjective, delicious-looking or smelling sense opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.