Meaning & Definition of word "Tongue"
to
Tongue
/tʌŋ/
noun:
- 1. A fleshy muscular organ in the mouth used for tasting, swallowing, and articulating speech.
- Example: He burned his tongue on the hot soup.
- 2. A language or dialect, especially one spoken by a particular group or region.
- Example: She speaks three different tongues fluently.
- 3. The ability to speak; speech or eloquence.
- Example: His tongue was silver; he could persuade anyone.
- 4. A particular manner of speaking or expression.
- Example: Her tongue was sharp, often leading to arguments.
verb:
- 1. To articulate or pronounce using the tongue.
- Example: He can tongue-twisting words with great ease.
Etymology
Old English 'tunge', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'tong' and German 'Zunge'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
mother tongue:
The first language learned at home in childhood.
bite your tongue:
To stop oneself from saying something.
tongue-in-cheek:
Said or done ironically or sarcastically.
on the tip of my tongue:
About to say or remember something.
Related Words
linguist:
A person skilled in languages.
bilingual:
Fluent in two languages.
polyglot:
Knowing or using several languages.
glossary:
A list of words with definitions.
Slang Meanings of tongue
Meaning: To kiss.
Example Sentence: They were tongue wrestling on the dance floor.
Meaning: To speak in a specific jargon or dialect.
Example Sentence: He was just tongue in the local slang after living there for years.