Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

basilect

noun
basi·​lect | \ˈbazə̇ˌlekt, ˈbāzə̇-, -sə̇-\
plural -s

Definition of basilect 

: the least prestigious language variety of a community — compare acrolect

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Other Words from basilect

basilectal \ˌ⸗⸗ˈlektᵊl \ adjective

First Known Use of basilect

1964, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for basilect

basi- + -lect (as in dialect)

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about basilect

Statistics for basilect

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for basilect

The first known use of basilect was in 1964

See more words from the same year

Comments on basilect

What made you want to look up basilect? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

immure

to enclose within walls

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Late Autumn 2018 Words of the Day Quiz

  • frosted-autumn-leaves
  • Which is a synonym of yahoo?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games