tongue meaning and definition

TONGUE noun

Definition of tongue (noun)

1. a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity
   • synonyms: clapper, glossa, lingua
2. a human written or spoken language used by a community; opposed to e.g. a computer language
   • synonyms: natural language
   • antonym: artificial language
3. any long thin projection that is transient
   • "tongues of flame licked at the walls"; "rifles exploded quick knives of fire into the dark"
   • synonyms: knife
4. a manner of speaking
   • "he spoke with a thick tongue"; "she has a glib tongue"
5. a narrow strip of land that juts out into the sea
   • synonyms: spit
6. the tongue of certain animals used as meat
7. the flap of material under the laces of a shoe or boot
8. metal striker that hangs inside a bell and makes a sound by hitting the side
   • synonyms: clapper

TONGUE verb

Definition of tongue (verb)

1. articulate by tonguing, as when playing wind instruments
2. lick or explore with the tongue