1. plural of tongue; the muscular organs in the mouth used for tasting, swallowing, and speaking
2. languages or ways of speaking
Usage: often literary or formal
3. the phenomenon of speaking in unknown languages, especially in religious contexts
Usage: religious

Examples

• The doctor examined the patients’ tongues for signs of illness.
• Different animals have tongues of various shapes and sizes.
• The Bible was translated into many tongues.
• Ancient texts were written in foreign tongues.
• Some believers claim to speak in tongues during worship.
• The gift of tongues is mentioned in religious scripture.
• Scholars study the various tongues of indigenous peoples.