sublingual

adjective

sub·​lin·​gual ˌsəb-ˈliŋ-gwəl 

-gyə-wəl

: situated or administered under the tongue

sublingual glands

sublingual tablets

Examples of sublingual in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tonmya is a nightly cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablet that's rapidly absorbed after placing it under the tongue, bypassing the digestive system for faster onset of action. —New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2025

In 2016, legislation allowed the use of sublingual cannabinoid medications, such as Sativex, with a doctor’s prescription. —Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025

Overholt was careful to point out that oral immunotherapy shouldn’t be confused with sublingual immunotherapy, during which allergen-laden drops are held under the tongue. —Jeremy Tanner, The Hill, 10 May 2025

Nitrates come in different forms, including oral, sublingual, transdermal, and topical. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin sublingualis, from Latin sub- + lingua tongue — more at tongue

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sublingual

• bilingual
• trilingual
• lingual
• monolingual

Medical Definition

sublingual

1 of 2 adjective

sub·​lin·​gual ˌsəb-ˈliŋ-g(yə-)wəl, ˈsəb- 

1

: situated or administered under the tongue

sublingual tablets

2

: of or relating to the sublingual glands

sublingually

-ē 

adverb

sublingual

2 of 2 noun

: sublingual gland