language

lan-guage · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The method of human communication using spoken or written words.

  2. 2.

    A particular system of communication used by a country or community.

  3. 3.

    The manner or style of expression in words.

  4. 4.

    A system of symbols and rules used for programming computers.

  5. 5.

    The system of communication used by a particular group or profession.

Forms

plural: languages

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    speak the same language — Understand each other well.
  • •
    watch your language — Be careful what you say (warning about swearing).
  • •
    body language — Non-verbal communication through gestures and posture.
  • •
    sign language — Communication using visual gestures.
  • •
    bad language — Swear words; profanity.
  • •
    first language — One's native or mother tongue.
  • •
    second language — A language learned after one's native language.
  • •
    dead language — A language no longer spoken as a native language.

Related words

See also: communication, linguistics, speech, tongue, word
Synonyms: dialect, speech, tongue, vernacular

Etymology

From Old French langage, from langue ("tongue, language"), from Latin lingua ("tongue, language"), from Proto-Indo-European dn̥ǵʰwéh₂s. Related to "lingual" and "linguistics."