Definition

The action of using the tongue to produce sound or articulate notes, especially on musical instruments like brass or wind instruments.

Example

The musician practiced tonguing to improve the clarity of the notes played on the trumpet.

Conversation

Have you ever tried tonguing on your trumpet?

Yeah, I just learned how to do it last week!

It's really important for playing fast passages, right?

Absolutely! It makes everything sound so much clearer.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tonguing → The word originates from the Old English 'tungan', meaning the act of using the tongue. It refers to the action of articulating or producing sound with the tongue, especially in music or speech.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word for tongue, 'tungan', to remember that 'tonguing' involves using the tongue to create sounds.

Visually Confused Words