noun
( -s )
Etymology: from gerund of tongue (II)
1. : the act of one who tongues ; also : the product of the act of making tongues
tonguing of matched boards
2.
a. : the act of using or applying the tongue ; especially : tongue-lashing , scolding
b. : use of the tongue in attacking or articulating notes on a wind instrument
tonguing rather than slurring is indicated for this passage
— compare double-tongue , single-tongue , triple-tongue