museruola
/mu.zeˈrwo.la/feminine
The English word 'muzzle' (noun) is museruola in Italian. Wiktionary also lists mordacchia.
Meaning: device to stop an animal from biting (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| museruola | /mu.zeˈrwo.la/ | feminine |
| mordacchia | /morˈdak.kja/ | feminine |
The term museruola refers to a device used to stop an animal from biting. To express the action of putting a muzzle on an animal, Italians use the verbal phrase mettere la museruola rather than a single verb. If you wish to use 'muzzle' metaphorically to mean restraining someone from speaking or expressing their opinion, you can use the verb imbavagliare or the phrase mettere a tacere.
What does it mean word for word?
museruola is a diminutive of muso (snout or muzzle), specifically referring to a small covering for the snout.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /mu.zeˈrwo.la/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, describing a person as 'having a muzzle' (avere un muso) can be a way to say they are acting grumpy or sullen.
- While museruola is the common word for the object, you can also use the verb imbavagliare to describe 'muzzling' a person metaphorically, which literally means to put a 'gauze' or 'cloth' into someone's mouth.
- The word mordacchia shares a linguistic lineage with the Spanish word mordaza, showing how these words traveled across Europe.
Examples in context
- Le metta la museruola.Muzzle it.Tatoeba #4400823 by Guybrush88, translation #4400173 by Lepotdeterre
- Perché il tuo cane non indossa una museruola?Why doesn't your dog wear a muzzle?Tatoeba #4785644 by Guybrush88, translation #3676611 by Eldad
- La museruola è troppo stretta per lui.The muzzle is too tight for him.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are walking their dogs in a park.
- FrancescoHai preso la museruola per il cane?Did you bring the muzzle for the dog?
- MartinaSì, l'ho messa nella borsa.Yes, I put it in the bag.
- FrancescoOttimo, è necessaria in questo parco.Great, it is necessary in this park.
- MartinaHai ragione, Francesco, meglio essere sicuri.You are right, Francesco, better to be safe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “muzzle” translations and entries museruola, mordacchia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mordacchia, museruola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
