Language definition
A system of objects or symbols, such as sounds or character sequences, that can be combined in various ways following a set of rules, especially to communicate thoughts, feelings, or instructions.
The special vocabulary and usages of a scientific, professional, or other group.
noun
All the vocal sounds, words, and ways of combining them common to a particular nation, tribe, or other speech community.
The French language.
noun
The manner or means of communication between living creatures other than humans.
The language of dolphins.
noun
A particular manner of expression.
Profane language; persuasive language.
noun
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Body language; kinesics.
noun
A set of symbols and rules used to convey information. See machine language, programming language, graphics language, page description language, fourth-generation language, standards and user interface.
The definition of language is speech or other forms of communication.
An example of language is words spoken.
An example of language is words read in a book.
An example of language is people using their hands to express themselves.
noun
The set of patterns or structures produced by such a system.
A characteristic style of speech or writing.
Shakespearean language.
noun
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A system of vocal sounds and combinations of such sounds to which meaning is attributed, used for the expression or communication of thoughts and feelings.
noun
Verbal communication as a subject of study.
noun
The wording of a legal document or statute as distinct from the spirit.
noun
Such a system including its rules for combining its components, such as words.
noun
A system of signs, symbols, gestures, or rules used in communicating.
The language of algebra.
noun
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Any means of expressing or communicating, as gestures, signs, or animal sounds.
Body language.
noun
Such a system as used by a nation, people, or other distinct community; often contrasted with dialect.
noun
(informal) Coarse or obscene words and expressions.
noun
Human speech.
noun
The written representation of such a system.
noun
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A special set of symbols, letters, numerals, rules, etc. used for the transmission of information, as in a computer.
noun
The particular form or manner of selecting and combining words characteristic of a person, group, or profession; form or style of expression in words.
The language of teenagers.
noun
(countable) A form of communication using words either spoken or gestured with the hands and structured with grammar, often with a writing system.
noun
Communication of thoughts and feelings through a system of arbitrary signals, such as voice sounds, gestures, or written symbols.
noun
(computers) A system of symbols and rules used for communication with or between computers.
noun
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The study of language in general or of some particular language or languages; linguistics.
noun
(archaic) The ability to communicate by this means.
noun
speak the same (or someone's) language
- to have the same beliefs, attitudes, etc. (as another)
idiom
Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
language
Plural:
languagesIdioms and Phrasal Verbs
speak the same (<i>or</i> someone's) language
Origin of language
- Middle English from Old French langage from langue tongue, language from Latin lingua dn̥ghū- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- Middle English language, from Old French language, from Vulgar Latin *linguāticum, from Latin lingua (“tongue, speech, language”), from Old Latin dingua (“tongue”), from Proto-Indo-European *dn̥ǵʰwéh₂s (“tongue, speech, language”). Displaced native Middle English rearde, ȝerearde (“language”) (from Old English reord (“language, speech”)), Middle English londspreche, londspeche (“language”) (from Old English *landsprǣċ (“language, national tongue”), Old English þēod and þēodisc (“language”).
From Wiktionary