linguist
Linguist (noun) means a scholar who studies the structure and history of language. Example: “The linguist traced how the word changed meaning over centuries.”
How to Use Linguist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person who studies languages professionally, or simply someone good at learning them.
A linguist studies how language works; that's different from a "polyglot," who simply speaks many languages, though the two overlap.
Word Forms
linguists plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ traced how the word changed meaning over centuries.
Etymology
From Latin lingua ("language") plus the suffix -ist.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for linguist
See all rhymes for linguist →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “linguist” mean?
The word “linguist” means a scholar who studies the structure and history of language. In plain terms, a person who studies languages professionally, or simply someone good at learning them.
How do you pronounce “linguist”?
“Linguist” is pronounced LIHNGG-wihst (/ˈlɪŋɡwɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “linguist” in a sentence?
Here is “linguist” used in a sentence: “The linguist traced how the word changed meaning over centuries.”
What part of speech is “linguist”?
“Linguist” is a noun.
Where does the word “linguist” come from?
The word “linguist” comes from Latin. From Latin lingua ("language") plus the suffix -ist.
How many meanings does “linguist” have?
“Linguist” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a scholar who studies the structure and history of language.