Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

tight-lipped

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 2.77 in modern English

Syllables: tight-lipped
IPA

20

Scrabble Score

11

Letters

2

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Having the lips pressed tightly together, hence, not speaking.

adj

Unwilling to divulge information.

Example Sentences

"He would have sprung upon Captain Blood, who stood aloof, alert, tight-lipped, and watchful."
"Gaining the dak, they were joined on the veranda by four tight-lipped men."
"The open access operator has remained tight-lipped over what may have caused the driver to suddenly apply the brake, but stressed that safety was its priority."

Etymology

From tight + lipped.

Inflected Forms

more tight-lipped (comparative) most tight-lipped (superlative) tightlipped (alternative)

Phrases

tight-lippedness tight lips

Frequently Paired Words

tight lips

Synonyms

closemouthed discreet secretive

Antonyms

indiscreet loose-lipped

Questions

What does tight-lipped mean?: Having the lips pressed tightly together, hence, not speaking.
Where does tight-lipped come from?: From tight + lipped.

How to pronounce tight-lipped

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “tight-lipped”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “tight-lipped”.
Repeat and practice — Say “tight-lipped” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.