linguist

noun

lin·​guist ˈliŋ-gwist 

1

: a person accomplished in languages

especially : one who speaks several languages

2

: a person who specializes in linguistics

Examples of linguist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But more variations of Austronesian languages have been identified in Taiwan, accompanied with more intricate grammatical structures and expansive vocabularies, which has provided insights for linguists. —Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 17 June 2026

Babbel takes a different approach—one built by more than 150 linguists and language educators focused on real-world conversations, cultural nuance, and practical dialogue rather than streaks and cartoon owls. —Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 3 June 2026

Despite having their unit nicknamed The Plantation (its geographical location still classified), about 100 women of color — linguists, cybersecurity experts, cryptographers — worked from World War II through the Cold War, brilliantly. —Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026

Historians and linguists generally trace the name back to old Germanic words connected to the local landscape, rather than anything supernatural. —Anna Noryskiewicz, CBS News, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from New Latin linguista, from Latin lingua "tongue, speech, language" + -ista -ist entry 1 — more at tongue entry 1

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

linguist

noun

lin·​guist ˈliŋ-gwəst 

1

: a person skilled in languages

2

: a person who specializes in linguistics