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tonguing

American  
[tuhng-ing] / ˈtʌŋ ɪŋ /

noun

Music.
  1. the manipulation of the tongue in playing a wind instrument to interrupt the tone and produce a staccato effect.


tonguing British  
/ ˈtʌŋɪŋ /

noun

  1. a technique of articulating notes on a wind instrument See single-tongue double-tongue triple-tongue

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of tonguing

First recorded in 1805–15; tongue + -ing 1

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 dog tackled Rutilio and gave his face a thorough tonguing.

From Literature

Nurses and jail deputies make sure that inmates aren’t “cheeking” or “tonguing” the narcotics to give them to other inmates.

From Los Angeles Times

The strike of a hammer on the calf’s exposed femur revealed marrow with no resemblance to the pasty, whitish substance that domestic dogs are so fond of tonguing out of animal bones.

From Washington Times

“I just give her advice about ways to practice, new methods for breathing or tonguing,” Mireles said.

From Washington Times

He wields his vocals like a shield, deflecting consonants and tonguing vowels until they feel right.

From The Verge