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

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

Its courses are developed by more than 100 linguists and language educators, with lessons built around practical dialogue, cultural context, and situations people actually encounter. —Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 30 May 2026

The field shrank Monday when candidate Lindsey Church, a former Navy linguist who runs a nonprofit serving minority veterans, dropped out of the race and endorsed Macías. —Jack O'Connor, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 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