tongue

[tʌŋ]

tongue Definition

• 1. the fleshy muscular organ in the mouth of a mammal, used for tasting, licking, swallowing, and (in humans) articulating speech.
• 2. a person's style or manner of speaking.
• 3. a 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

• speech
• language
• vernacular
• dialect
• jargon

Idioms Using tongue

• on the tip of one's tongue

  almost able to be remembered or recalled

  Example

  Her name was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't quite remember it.

• hold one's tongue

  refrain from speaking, especially in a difficult or sensitive situation

  Example

  I had to hold my tongue during the meeting to avoid causing any more conflict.

• find one's tongue

  recover the ability to speak after being too nervous or surprised to do so

  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.

• cat got your tongue?

  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?

• loose tongue

  a tendency to talk too much or carelessly

  Example

  He has a loose tongue and often says things he shouldn't.

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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.