tongue-tied

[ tuhng-tahyd ]
/ ˈtʌŋˌtaɪd /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR tongue-tied ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

unable to speak, as from shyness, embarrassment, or surprise.
affected with tongue-tie.

Origin of tongue-tied

1520–30; tongue + tied

Words nearby tongue-tied

tongue-and-groove joint, tongue-in-cheek, tongue-lash, tongue-swallowing, tongue-tie, tongue-tied, tongued, tonguefish, tongues wag, tonguing, tonguing-and-grooving plane

Definition for tongue-tied (2 of 2)

tongue-tie
[ tuhng-tahy ]
/ ˈtʌŋˌtaɪ /

noun

impeded motion of the tongue caused especially by shortness of the frenum, which binds it to the floor of the mouth.

verb (used with object), tongue-tied, tongue-ty·ing.

to make tongue-tied.

Origin of tongue-tie

First recorded in 1545–55; back formation from tongue-tied

Words related to tongue-tied

mute, shy, dumbfounded, shocked, dazed, garbled, astounded, amazed, aghast, bashful, dumbstruck, inarticulate, mum, silent, speechless, uncommunicative, voiceless

Example sentences from the Web for tongue-tied

British Dictionary definitions for tongue-tied (1 of 2)

tongue-tied

adjective

speechless, esp with embarrassment or shyness
having a condition of tongue-tie

British Dictionary definitions for tongue-tied (2 of 2)

tongue-tie

noun

a congenital condition in which the tongue has restricted mobility as the result of an abnormally short frenulum

Medical definitions for tongue-tied

tongue-tie

n.

Restricted mobility of the tongue resulting from abnormal shortness of the frenum. ankyloglossia