tongue Definition
- 1the fleshy muscular organ in the mouth of a mammal, used for tasting, licking, swallowing, and (in humans) articulating speech.
- 2a person's style or manner of speaking.
- 3a language.
Using tongue: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tongue" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He stuck his tongue out at me.
Example
She speaks with a sharp tongue.
Example
The movie is in a foreign tongue.
Example
I can't speak the local tongue.
Example
He has a silver tongue and can talk his way out of anything.
tongue Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for tongue
Idioms Using tongue
Example
Her name was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't quite remember it.
Example
I had to hold my tongue during the meeting to avoid causing any more conflict.
Example
It took her a moment to find her tongue and respond to the question.
Phrases with tongue
bite one's tongue
refrain from speaking one's mind, especially to avoid causing offense.
Example
I had to bite my tongue to keep from telling him what I really thought.
used to ask someone why they are not saying anything when you think they should be able to speak
Example
Why aren't you answering me? Cat got your tongue?
Example
He has a loose tongue and often says things he shouldn't.
Summary: tongue in Brief
The term 'tongue' [tʌŋ] refers to the fleshy muscular organ in the mouth of a mammal, used for tasting, licking, swallowing, and articulating speech. It also denotes a person's style or manner of speaking, as well as a language. Phrases like 'bite one's tongue' and 'cat got your tongue?' are idiomatic expressions that connote refraining from speaking or being unable to speak, while 'on the tip of one's tongue' means almost able to be remembered or recalled.