SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

basilect

noun
Save Word
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)

Learn More About basilect

Time Traveler for basilect

Time Traveler

The first known use of basilect was in 1964

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near basilect

Basildon

basilect

basileus

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for basilect

Cite this Entry

“Basilect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basilect. Accessed 30 Jun. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

scintillate

Listen to the pronunciation of scintillate

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Odd Habits and Quirks

  • image1926873504
  • Which of the following best describes an easily irritated person?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

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