tongue
word
Definition
The tongue is the soft part inside your mouth that helps you taste, speak, and move food. It can also mean a language, especially in literary or formal use.
Usage & Nuances
Most commonly, 'tongue' means the body part; for the language meaning, 'language' is much more common in everyday speech. Common phrases include 'bite your tongue' (stop yourself from saying something), 'mother tongue' (first language), and 'tongue-tied' (unable to speak easily because of nervousness).
Example Sentences
The soup was so hot that I burned my tongue.
basic
The doctor asked me to stick out my tongue.
basic
Spanish is her mother tongue.
basic
I almost told him the truth, but I bit my tongue.
natural
Her joke was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't remember it exactly.
natural
He gets tongue-tied whenever he talks to her.
natural