mother tongue

[ muhth-er tuhng muhth-er tuhng ]

noun

1. the language first learned by a person; native language.
2. mother language.

mother tongue

noun

1. the language first learned by a child
2. a language from which another has evolved

Word History and Origins

Origin of mother tongue¹

1350–1400; Middle English moder tonge

Example Sentences

Acting in her mother tongue — initially anxiety-provoking since she’d never done it — turned out to be a blessing.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Nayimuli said that while growing up she would constantly speak Xhosa, her mother tongue and one of South Africa’s official languages, to “prove her South African-ness”.

From BBC

Italian is not Francis’ mother tongue language, and the Argentine pope has made linguistic gaffes in the past that raised eyebrows.

From Seattle Times

A person's religion, mother tongue, "the way you draft a message to your friend on social media" have all become points of data politicians are keen to get their hands on, according to political strategist Rutwik Joshi, who is working with at least a dozen unnamed lawmakers on their re-election campaigns this election.

From BBC

Writing for The Ringer, Daniel Chin said the new series' three-pronged structure, with Toranaga and Mariko holding similar focus to Blackthorne, whilst speaking in their mother tongue, helps the show escape the "white saviour narrative" of the source material - a trope heavily prevalent on screen in 2003's The Last Samurai, for instance.

From BBC

Related Words

• first language