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

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

As influenced as her musical language was by the French Romantics, like Ravel and Debussy, the blues was always her mother tongue.

From New York Times

After observing them at a family dinner, he realised that they felt awkward speaking their mother tongue.

From BBC

But as he got older, Phoenix says he felt more compelled to use Chinese and being more in touch with his mother tongue.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• first language