A muzzle is the nose and mouth area of an animal, especially dogs, horses, and other mammals. When you look at a dog's face, its muzzle is the part that sticks out in front, where its nose and jaws are located. A German Shepherd has a long, pointed muzzle, while a pug has a short, flat one.

A muzzle is also a device that fits over an animal's muzzle to prevent it from biting or eating things it shouldn't. Veterinarians sometimes use muzzles on nervous dogs during examinations, not to be mean but to keep everyone safe. Some dogs wear muzzles at dog parks if they tend to snap at other dogs.

The word can also be used as a verb. To muzzle someone means to prevent them from speaking freely or expressing their opinions. When a government muzzles the press, it stops reporters from sharing important information with the public. If someone feels muzzled in a classroom discussion, they feel like they can't say what they really think. This meaning connects to the original idea: just as a physical muzzle stops an animal from using its mouth, muzzling a person stops them from using their voice.