mealy-mouthed

UK: /ˌmiːliˈmaʊðd/

US: /ˈmiliˌmaʊðd, -ˌmaʊθt/

US: (mē′lē moutht′, -mouᵺd′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

meal•y-mouthed or meal•y•mouthed /ˈmiliˌmaʊðd, -ˌmaʊθt/   adj. 

1. avoiding plain, simple, or honest language:
   mealy-mouthed politicians.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

meal•y-mouthed  (mē′lē moutht′, -mouᵺd′), adj. 

1. avoiding the use of direct and plain language, as from timidity, excessive delicacy, or hypocrisy; inclined to mince words;
   insincere, devious, or compromising.

Also, meal′y•mouthed′. 

• 1565–75

meal•y-mouth•ed•ly  (mē′lē mou′thid lē, -ᵺid-, -moutht′-, -mouᵺd′-), adv.  meal′y-mouth′ed•ness, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

mealy-mouthed adjective

1. hesitant or afraid to speak plainly; not outspoken

Etymology: 16th Century: from mealy (in the sense: soft, soft-spoken)