language
LANG-gwihj
Language (noun) means a system of words and grammar used by a community to communicate. Example: “She grew up speaking three languages at home.”
noun
1
A system of words and grammar used by a community to communicate.
"She grew up speaking three languages at home."
"Learning a new language opens up a different way of thinking."
"Welsh is a language with a long history and many speakers."
2
The particular style, wording, or tone used in speech or writing.
"The contract was written in dense legal language."
"The speaker used simple language so that the children could follow every point."
"Her emails always use polite, friendly language, even when she is annoyed."
3
A system of symbols and rules used to write computer programs.
"Python is often recommended as a first programming language."
"Which language did you use to write the program for the website?"
"Some programmers enjoy learning a new language just to see how it works."
4
Strong or offensive words; swearing.
"Watch your language in front of the kids."
"The referee warned the player about his language during the match."
"Some of the language in that film isn't suitable for young children."
How to use language
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA system for communicating with words — spoken, written, or even in code — or, informally, swearing.
Common pairings
native language
body language
programming language
watch your language
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Word forms
- Plural
- languages
- Third person singular
- languages
- Past tense
- languaged
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She grew up speaking three _____ at home.
Etymology
From Old French language, ultimately from Latin lingua, "tongue, speech."
Synonyms
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dialect
vernacular
parlance
nomenclature
lyric
computer language
programming language
machine language
leid
lingo
speech
tongue
Related words
Rhymes for language
See all rhymes for language →Frequently asked questions
What does “language” mean?
The word “language” means a system of words and grammar used by a community to communicate. In plain terms, a system for communicating with words — spoken, written, or even in code — or, informally, swearing.
How do you pronounce “language”?
“Language” is pronounced LANG-gwihj (/ˈlæŋ.ɡwɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “language” in a sentence?
Here is “language” used in a sentence: “She grew up speaking three languages at home.”
What is another word for “language”?
Words with a similar meaning to “language” include computer language, programming language, machine language, leid, lingo and speech.
What part of speech is “language”?
“Language” is a noun.
Where does the word “language” come from?
The word “language” comes from Latin. From Old French language, ultimately from Latin lingua, "tongue, speech.".
Is “language” a common word?
“Language” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “language” have?
“Language” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a system of words and grammar used by a community to communicate.
What is the difference between a language and a dialect?
A language is a full system of words and grammar shared by a community. A dialect is a regional or social variety of a language, differing in accent, vocabulary, or usage but still broadly understood by other speakers. The line can be blurry, and it is often said a language is just a dialect with an army and a navy.
How many languages are there in the world?
Linguists count roughly 7,000 living languages worldwide, though the number shifts as some fade and others are newly documented. A handful, such as English, Mandarin, Spanish, and Hindi, have hundreds of millions of speakers, while many others are spoken by only small communities and are at real risk of disappearing.
What are the different types of language?
Language takes many forms. Spoken and written languages are the most familiar, but there are also sign languages that use gesture and constructed languages invented for fiction or international use. The term stretches to cover body language and programming languages too, though its core sense is the natural speech shared by a community.
Can language be learned at any age?
Yes. Children pick up their first language almost effortlessly, and there is a window in early childhood when this comes especially easily. Adults can still learn new languages successfully, though it usually takes more conscious study and practice. Motivation, exposure, and regular use matter more than age alone.
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