B1noun 1K

Tongue

🇬🇧 UK /["/tʌŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/tʌŋ/"]/

Meaning of Tongue

the soft part in the mouth that moves around, used for tasting, swallowing, speaking, etc.

In simple words: The muscle in your mouth used for tasting and speaking.

Tongue in a sentence

• He accidentally bit his tongue while eating dinner.
• The artist's tongue was bright blue after tasting the new candy.
• She spoke confidently, never letting her tongue falter during the presentation.
• In some cultures, speaking too much is considered bad manners, as if the tongue should be controlled.
• He always wondered how to say 'hello' in every tongue he encountered during his travels.
• The dog happily licked the owner's hand with its warm tongue.
• She was quick with her tongue, often coming up with witty remarks.
• The professor taught a class on understanding the nuances of different tongues around the world.

How to use Tongue

Used in both casual and formal contexts. When discussing anatomy, it's appropriate to use 'tongue.' Informally, it can refer to languages (e.g., 'mother tongue'). Avoid using in overly technical or medical contexts without clarification.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'tongue twister' – your tongue is always twisting around words!

Related words

Collocations with Tongue

• long
• forked
• loose
• poke out
• put out
• stick out
• hang out
• flick
• flicker
• piercing
• a slip of the tongue
• be on the tip of your tongue
• get your tongue around something
• long
• forked
• loose
• poke out
• put out
• stick out
• hang out
• flick
• flicker
• piercing
• a slip of the tongue
• be on the tip of your tongue
• get your tongue around something
• mother
• native
• common
• speak
• in a/​the tongue
• speak in tongues
• long
• forked
• loose
• poke out
• put out
• stick out
• hang out
• flick
• flicker
• piercing
• a slip of the tongue
• be on the tip of your tongue
• get your tongue around something

Synonyms for Tongue

• lingua
• speech organ
• taste organ

Opposites of Tongue

• silence
• muteness

Common mistakes with Tongue

• Confused with 'taste buds' which are not the same thing.
• Incorrectly used as a verb, as in 'to tongue' something, which is less common.
• Mixing with 'tonge' which is a misspelling.

Frequently asked questions about Tongue

What does Tongue mean?

The muscle in your mouth used for tasting and speaking.

What is the definition of Tongue?

the soft part in the mouth that moves around, used for tasting, swallowing, speaking, etc.

How do you use Tongue in a sentence?

He accidentally bit his tongue while eating dinner.

Can you give another example of Tongue?

The artist's tongue was bright blue after tasting the new candy.

What are synonyms for Tongue?

Common alternatives include lingua, speech organ, taste organ.

What is the opposite of Tongue?

Opposite meanings include silence, muteness.

What words go with Tongue?

It commonly pairs with long, forked, loose, poke out, put out, stick out, hang out, flick, flicker, piercing, a slip of the tongue, be on the tip of your tongue, get your tongue around something, long, forked, loose, poke out, put out, stick out, hang out, flick, flicker, piercing, a slip of the tongue, be on the tip of your tongue, get your tongue around something, mother, native, common, speak, in a/​the tongue, speak in tongues, long, forked, loose, poke out, put out, stick out, hang out, flick, flicker, piercing, a slip of the tongue, be on the tip of your tongue, get your tongue around something.

What are common mistakes when using Tongue?

Confused with 'taste buds' which are not the same thing. Incorrectly used as a verb, as in 'to tongue' something, which is less common. Mixing with 'tonge' which is a misspelling.

How do you pronounce Tongue?

US: /["/tʌŋ/"]/, UK: /["/tʌŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Tongue?

Used in both casual and formal contexts. When discussing anatomy, it's appropriate to use 'tongue.' Informally, it can refer to languages (e.g., 'mother tongue'). Avoid using in overly technical or medical contexts without clarification.

What CEFR level is Tongue?

"Tongue" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.