noun

mustache

MUSS-tash

Mustache (noun) means a strip of hair grown on a man's upper lip. Example: “He grew a mustache for charity in November.”

noun

A strip of hair grown on a man's upper lip.

"He grew a mustache for charity in November."

"A thick grey mustache hid his top lip completely."

How to Use Mustache

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHair grown on a man's upper lip.

When to use it

Mustache is American spelling; use moustache in British writing.

Memory tip

Both spellings have one t and end -ache; the British form simply adds an o after the m.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

moustache → beard → goatee → sideburns →

Common pairings

grow a mustache handlebar mustache trim his mustache a pencil mustache

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

He grew a _____ for charity in November.

Etymology

From French moustache, from Italian mostaccio, ultimately from Greek mystax, meaning 'upper lip' or the hair on it.

Origin: French

Rhymes for mustache

ache cache Apache stache panache headache backache moustache toothache bellyache heartache stomachache

See all rhymes for mustache →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between mustache and moustache?

They are the same word with different spellings. Mustache is the standard American form and moustache the standard British, Irish, Australian and Canadian form.

What is the difference between a mustache and a beard?

A mustache is only the hair on the upper lip. A beard covers the chin and jaw, and a full beard usually includes a mustache joined to it.

How do you pronounce mustache?

Americans usually stress the first syllable, MUSS-tash. British speakers stress the second, muh-STAHSH.