Tongue: meaning, definitions and examples

Used informally to refer to a language or way of speaking, often in phrases involving idioms or expressions.

• She speaks with a silver tongue.
• The writer has a unique and poetic tongue.

Used to describe a system of communication used by a particular country or community.

• She is fluent in three languages.
• Learning a new language can be challenging.

Used in a more scientific or technical context to refer to any part of the body involved in producing speech, not just the tongue, but also the lips, teeth, and vocal cords.

• The vocal cords are an essential speech organ.
• Speech organs are crucial for verbal communication.

Specifically used to refer to the tongue in its function of tasting.

• The taste organ has various taste buds for different flavors.
• Her taste organ was sensitive to spicy food.

This word has no different spellings or meanings in this list, being identical to the first entry.

• This example would be the same as the first entry because it's the exact same word without difference

This term is very informal and rarely used. It may have a playful or slightly humorous connotation but can be perceived as immature in adult conversations.

• The dog is such a licker! He never stops licking my face

Use when referring to the muscle in the mouth that helps with tasting, swallowing, and speaking.

• He accidentally bit his tongue while eating.
• You can taste the sweetness with your tongue.

Use when referring to passing the tongue over something. It can sometimes have a playful or casual connotation, but may be seen as impolite or inappropriate depending on the context.

• He licked the ice cream cone as it started to melt.
• The dog licked her face in affection.

Use when referring to the area between the knees and the hips of a person when they are seated. Also used for a complete trip around a race track.

• The child sat on her father's lap.
• She completed the final lap of the race.