Search Dictionary
Definition of northern blue-tongued skink
northern blue-tongued skink
Plural:northern blue-tongued skinks
northern blue-tongued skink Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
10
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
Australian A large, smooth-scaled, and ground-dwelling lizard (subspecies Tiliqua scincoides intermedia) native to the tropical and subtropical savannas of northern Australia, distinguished by its stout body, relatively short limbs, and a bright blue tongue used in defensive displays to ward off predators.
Example
"Due to its docile temperament and striking appearance, the Northern blue-tongued skink has become a highly popular reptile to keep as a pet."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The common name describes its geographic origin in northern Australia, its distinctive physical defense mechanism (a bright blue tongue), and its taxonomic categorization as a skink.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Northern blue-tongued skink. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/northern blue-tongued skink