noun
vernacular
vuh-NAK-yuh-luh
noun
1
The everyday, informal language spoken by ordinary people in a particular place, as opposed to formal or literary language.
"The novel is written in the local vernacular rather than standard English."
"He slipped into medical vernacular that patients found confusing."
adj
1
Relating to this kind of everyday, local language or style.
"The house is a fine example of vernacular architecture, built from local stone."
How to Use Vernacular
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe everyday way people actually talk (or build, or make things) in a particular place, as opposed to the "official" or formal version.
Common pairings
local vernacular
vernacular architecture
everyday vernacular
Word Forms
more vernacular comparative, vernaculars plural, most vernacular superlative
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “vernacular”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The novel is written in the local _____ rather than standard English.
Etymology
From Latin vernaculus, "native, domestic," originally describing something belonging to home-born slaves — later broadened to mean anything native or local.