tight-lipped
Americanadjective
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speaking very little; taciturn; close-mouthed.
-
having the lips drawn tight.
adjective
-
reticent, secretive, or taciturn
-
with the lips pressed tightly together, as through anger
Etymology
Origin of tight-lipped
First recorded in 1875–80
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Plymouth County district attorney’s office has been tight-lipped thus far on whether it will seek a new trial, offer a plea deal, or drop the prosecution entirely.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026
She is expected to announce an age limit but officials have been tight-lipped on the details, and whether the ban will be restricted to social media or include other platforms like gaming apps.
From Barron's ● Sep. 8, 2026
Hargitay has been tight-lipped about what producers have in store for the night, though she did reveal her aspirations for doing something in the vein of an “SVU musical” during the ceremony.
From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026
LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil has said new investors have been secured for next season but has been tight-lipped on the league's future plans and structure.
From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2026
I didn’t want to be found out, so remained tight-lipped.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
