tongue-tied

American  

[tuhng-tahyd] / ˈtʌŋˌtaɪd /

adjective

1. unable to speak, as from shyness, embarrassment, or surprise.

2. affected with tongue-tie.

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tongue-tied British  

adjective

1. speechless, esp with embarrassment or shyness

2. having a condition of tongue-tie

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Etymology

Origin of tongue-tied

First recorded in 1520–30; tongue + tie ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tongue-tied

Even when she became tongue-tied and had to laugh her way out of it, her slips became endearing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026

Titled Shy, it describes how Rapp became tongue-tied around the British musician when they toured together in 2023.

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2025

Heinicke, a 10-year NFL veteran, has spent the last three weeks learning the complex scheme that at first had him tongue-tied while calling out a play.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 20, 2024

During our studio visit, Bradford turned uncharacteristically tongue-tied when he tried to articulate the sculpture’s relationship to that period.

From New York Times ● Apr. 19, 2023

Tanu was tongue-tied, but I could still remember my nights on the street and the man who had tried to take me away, and I told the rich lady about those things.

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan

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