generative grammar

noun

gen·​er·​a·​tive grammar
usually
ˈje-nə-rə-tiv- How to pronounce generative grammar (audio)
1
: a description in the form of a set of rules for producing the grammatical sentences of a language
2

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of generative grammar was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near generative grammar

Cite this Entry

“Generative grammar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generative%20grammar. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on generative grammar

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